Emergency guide
What to do in an asthma attack
Follow these steps in order. If you are ever unsure, call your local emergency number. It is always better to call early.
Warning signs of an attack
- The reliever inhaler is not helping
- Too breathless to talk, eat or sleep
- Breathing fast, chest pulling in
- Coughing or wheezing gets worse
- Lips or fingers turn blue — call for help now
Five steps
- 1
Sit up. Stay calm.
Sit up straight. Do not lie down. Loosen tight clothes. Speak slowly and calmly.
- 2
Take the reliever inhaler
One puff every 30 to 60 seconds. Up to 10 puffs. Use a spacer if you have one.
- 3
Call for help if not better
Call emergency services after 10 puffs if breathing has not improved. Call sooner if very scared, blue-lipped, or getting worse fast.
- 4
Keep going while you wait
If help takes more than 15 minutes, repeat step 2. Stay with the person all the time.
- 5
See a doctor within 2 days
After every attack, book a check-up. The plan, technique and medicine dose all need checking.
If you are helping someone else
- Never leave them alone. Send someone else for the inhaler.
- Do not make them lie down or walk around.
- Ask for their action plan. It lists their medicines.
- Tell the emergency operator it is an asthma attack, and how many puffs were given.
This guide is general education based on common asthma first-aid advice. Your own written action plan and local emergency number always come first.