Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

3 Airway and Breathing

Assisting a patient with asthma medication Most people with asthma know the symptoms of an impending attack. They frequently will have the proper medication with them, and you may need to assist them with taking it. People with asthma will frequently have a Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) of “Ventolin”. This device delivers a controlled amount of prescribed medication. In the event of a severe asthma attack, the patient may require your help in taking the medication. This can be as simple as retrieving their medication for them, or you may need to physically assist them with taking their medicine. Read and follow the manufacturer’s directions for using the inhaler. Always check the expiry date and confirm the name on the inhaler prescription to ensure that it is in fact the patient’s medication.

Severe Asthma Attack Signs and Symptoms

• Shortness of breath • Tightness in the chest • Coughing or wheezing

• Rapid or shallow breathing • Sitting in the tripod position • Cyanosis (bluish colour in the lips/face) • Rapid heart rate • Anxiety/restlessness • Exhaustion from breathing effort

Conscious patients usually find being semi-reclined the easiest position for breathing. The recovery position helps ensure an open airway in unconscious patients.

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