Asthma attack
Procedure
- 1.move the patient away from things that may be triggering the attack, such as smoke or dust
- 2.move the patient to a comfortable position (usually sitting), and loosen any restrictive clothing
- 3.reassure the patient
- 4.maintain an open airway
- 5.be prepared to assist breathing
- 6.administer high-flow oxygen, if available and local regulations allow
and you are familiar with the commonly used inhaler devices and if local, provincial or territorial regulations allow).
with the use of medication, recommend the patient seek further medical aid if required
or the inhaler is ineffective, or the patient is experiencing severe breathing difficulties (change in mental status, slow and less noisy breathing), activate EMS and continue to observe and assist the patient until EMS arrives. People with asthma may use a variety of delivery devices (commonly referred to as inhalers or puffers) to deal with the onset of an asthma attack. The most common example of this is the blue Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI) called Ventolin (salbutamol). Another device that is becoming more prevalent for asthma treatment is a red Symbicort Turbuhaler®(budesonide/formoterol). Figure 16-3: Ventolin inhaler (left) and Turbuhaler®(right). People who carry inhalers are quite familiar with how to use them. However, in an urgent situation you may need to assist someone with the delivery of their medication by finding their delivery device and handing it to them. Note: It is preferred that a metered dose inhaler be used with a spacer device when available. For further information on how a metered-dose inhaler is used without a spacer view the video at https://www.lung.ca/lung-health/get-help/how-use-your-inhaler/mdi-no-spacer or with a spacer at https://www.lung.ca/lung-health/get-help/how-use-your-inhaler/mdi-spacer- adult For further information on how a Turbuhaler®is used view the videos at: https://www.lung.ca/ lung-health/get-help/how-use-your-inhaler/turbuhaler%C2%AE?