If you or someone you know is experiencing an asthma flare-up, even if only mild, commence Asthma First Aid immediately. Asthma first aid can save someone’s life and every second counts.

Asthma first aid should be started if a person has asthma symptoms of:

• Breathlessness
• Wheezing
• Tight chest
• Persistent cough

Call an ambulance (dial 000) when the symptoms become severe or life-threatening. Symptoms may include:

• Difficulty breathing such as gasping for breath
• Pale/sweaty/blue lips
• Confusion or exhaustion, distressed and panicky
• Inability to speak more than one or two words per breath
• Sucking in of skin over ribs/throat (tracheal tug) in children
• No or little response to reliever medication