First Aid for Asthma Explained

What if your next breath wasn't guaranteed? For millions worldwide, that's the reality of asthma. 

This lung condition makes everyday activities feel like a tedious process and sometimes, you can hear a high-pitched wheezing sound, a sign of narrowed airways, and that could mean someone’s in trouble. 

While the wheeze is a warning sign, asthma is more than just difficulty breathing. 

If left untreated or poorly controlled, their airways may get narrower, form scars on their lungs and become hard to breathe even on normal occasions. 

Here’s how you can manage their symptoms.

1. If the casualty has no medications, ask them to sit upright and call for an ambulance.

2. If the casualty has medication, seek treatment in the medication such as an inhaler.

 How to use an inhaler?

• Shake inhaler few times

• Keep it in a upright position

• Remove the cap of the inhaler

• Get the casualty to exhale completely through their nose or mouth

• Seal mouth over the mouthpiece of the inhaler

• Press canister once while breathing in

• Instruct the to hold deeply and hold about 5-10 seconds before breathing out
  

In Singapore, remember 995 for emergencies! If they lose consciousness and aren't breathing, start CPR immediately and use an AED if available. 

Your quick action could save a life!

In case you’re wondering if there’s any other way we can prepare ourselves for an emergency, consider enrolling in our Standard First Aid course, we will teach you more on how to provide emergency assistance.