Breathing Difficulties: Asthma

What to look out for:
● Difficulty in breathing
● Rapid, shallow ad noisy breaths
● Coughing and wheezing
● Tightness in the chest
● Distress
● Difficulty in speaking
● Blue lips and/or skin (in severe cases)

What to do:
1. Sit the casualty down; make sure they lean forward slightly, preferably resting on a support such as table.
2. Most asthma sufferers carry a ‘puffer’. Help them to use it (about 4 puffs).
3. If the casualty’s condition does not improve after 10 minutes, give them a further 4 puffs.
4. If there is still no improvement or if the casualty has no medication and the attack is prolonged, call an
    ambulance.