Asthma Emergency First Aid

Emergency Response Steps

The 4x4x4 Rule with Blue/Grey Reliever

Follow these steps carefully:

Step 1: Positioning

• Sit the person upright
• Stay calm and reassuring
• Never leave them alone

Step 2: Give 4 Separate Puffs

1. Shake the blue/grey reliever puffer
2. Put 1 puff into spacer
3. Take 4 breaths from spacer
4. Repeat until 4 puffs taken

Without Spacer:

• Give 1 puff
• Take 1 slow, deep breath
• Hold breath as long as comfortable
• Repeat for all 4 puffs

Remember: Shake, 1 puff, 4 breaths

Step 3: Wait 4 Minutes

• Monitor the person’s condition
• If no improvement, repeat Step 2
• Give another 4 separate puffs

Step 4: Call Emergency (000)

Call immediately if:

• Breathing doesn’t return to normal
• Little or no improvement after medication
• You are concerned at any time

Recognition of Severe Asthma

Warning Signs

• Severe breathlessness
• Unable to speak normally
• Lips turning blue
• Skin sucking in around ribs/throat
• Little or no improvement from reliever
• Signs of agitation or panic

Risk Factors

• Previous severe attacks
• Recent hospital admission
• Multiple reliever doses needed
• Poor medication adherence
• Delayed access to medical care

Prevention and Preparation

Essential Items

Keep accessible:

• Blue/grey reliever medication
• Spacer device
• Asthma action plan
• Emergency contact numbers

Regular Maintenance

1. Check medication expiry dates
2. Clean spacers monthly
3. Review action plan regularly
4. Keep emergency numbers updated

After an Emergency

Immediate Actions

1. See doctor within 24 hours
2. Review what triggered attack
3. Update asthma action plan
4. Check medication technique

Long-term Management

• Regular medical reviews
• Identify and avoid triggers
• Monitor peak flow if prescribed
• Keep relief medication accessible

Important Notes

Spacer Use

• Recommended for all ages
• Improves medication delivery
• Clean monthly with warm water
• Replace yearly or if damaged

When to Seek Help Earlier

Call 000 immediately if:

• Person is unconscious
• Unable to speak
• Severe distress
• Previous near-fatal asthma

Remember: In an emergency, start first aid immediately. Don’t wait for symptoms to become severe before calling for help.