Creating an asthma-aware school. Why awareness and preparation matter

Colleen, a teacher who lives with asthma, knows how quickly symptoms can appear and how important it is to feel prepared, especially in the classroom. Drawing on her experiences and Respiratory Care WA training, she shares insights on creating a safer, more supportive environment for students with asthma.

Why schools need to be asthma-aware

As someone with asthma myself, I know the situation can escalate quickly. Schools are busy, active environments where triggers, exercise, weather changes, dust, or even anxiety are everywhere.

Being asthma-aware means early symptoms are recognised, the right actions are taken promptly, and everyone feels safer. Preparedness reduces the risk of emergencies and helps students and staff with asthma engage in school life confidently and without stigma.

Learning from asthma management training

At my school, staff recently completed asthma management training with Respiratory Care WA.

Key takeaways included:

• How to recognise early warning signs 
• Step-by-step management of acute flare-ups 
• The importance of having medication, especially relievers, easily accessible and ready to use. 

Following the training, staff felt more confident in their ability to respond calmly and effectively. I’ve noticed staff are responding earlier to asthma episodes before they progress to being more severe.

“Early intervention is now becoming standard practice at the school, preventing flare-ups from escalating and ensuring students remain safe and supported.”

Real-life experience matters

I’ve seen firsthand how early action prevents flare-ups from escalating. Students may show early signs such as persistent coughing, difficulty speaking, or visible anxiety. In each case, we followed their asthma action plan, administered their reliever, and monitored them until symptoms eased.

One key learning I took from our session with Respiratory Care WA was the importance of acting early rather than waiting to see if symptoms “settle on their own.” Quick, calm intervention saves lives.

Prior to our education session, I had an episode at school myself and asthma first aid was not well implemented. I have seen the change in staff actions since our session.

Practical strategies for the classroom

Supporting students with asthma can be simple. Some strategies I use include: 

• Keeping reliever medication easily accessible 
• Checking in with students before high-energy activities or during weather changes 
• Reducing environmental triggers where possible—minimise dust and strong fragrances 
• Encouraging students to speak up early if symptoms develop 
• Knowing each student’s asthma action plan and ensuring medication is with them during off-site activities or sports

Advice for schools yet to undertake training

Asthma is common, and flare-ups can be unpredictable. Completing asthma management training builds confidence, improves response times, and fosters a safer school environment. Even experienced staff often discover practical tips and updated procedures they hadn’t considered. Investing a little time in training could genuinely save a life.

Creating an asthma-friendly school culture

Being an asthma-aware school is about more than ticking boxes—it’s about protecting the wellbeing of our students and staff and I’m proud the school takes this seriously and has embedded asthma awareness/practices into the school culture.

Listening to students, acting early, and supporting them confidently creates an inclusive environment where all students can thrive. Awareness and preparation aren’t just life-saving, they foster safety, confidence, and belonging for everyone in the school community.