Asthma attack
Learn how to help someone who is having an asthma attack.
Learning objectives
- Learn how to recognise when someone is having an asthma attack
- Learn the key action to help when someone is having an asthma attack
- Practise applying the key action to a known situation in a role play
- Share something creative to inform others how they can help someone who is having an asthma attack
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Click through the slides below to watch the film
I was playing basketball with Josh, Cara and Lottie. We are all quite competitive and a friendly game had quickly turned into a must-win game.
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Stupid really, as we’d been playing a while already, but we decided to go for another best of five before heading home.
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Josh was running to get the ball after a particularly bad shot when he suddenly stopped and bent over on to his knees. I thought maybe he was just out of breath from all the running.
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I went to get the ball instead but when I saw the others heading over to Josh I knew something must be going on. Cara quickly realised how serious the situation was. Josh was having an asthma attack and really struggling to breathe in and out normally.
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Cara helped him sit down. She grabbed Josh’s inhaler and spacer from his bag and helped him to use it.
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We stayed with Josh until he felt well enough to head home. I wish I could have done something but Cara knew what to do. It made a real difference to Josh that she was there and helped him.
NextWhen someone is having an asthma attack, they will not be able to breathe normally. This type of breathing is often described as:
What is the key action to take if someone is having an asthma attack?
Take action: If someone is having an asthma attack, help them to use their inhaler.
Start OverWhat to do if someone has an asthma attack
Step 1.
Someone having an asthma attack will be finding it hard to breathe. They may make a wheezing sound.
Step 2.
Help them to sit in a comfortable position and take their inhaler.
Step 3.
Reassure them. If the attack gets worse or they don't have an inhaler, call 999.
Can you help someone who is having an asthma attack?
Learn
These activities help young people learn what to do when someone is having an asthma attack.
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Asthma attack – learn activity
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Asthma attack – learner skill guide
Practise
These activities help young people practise how to help someone who is having an asthma attack.
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First aid skill - practise activity ideas
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Asthma attack - Practise role play
Share and remember
These activities help young people to remember the key actions and share their knowledge with others.
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Secondary guidance and support
This section includes curriculum links, a teacher and educator guide and everything you need to get started.