Asthma attack

●Critical

Call 112

⚠️ Check: Is the area safe for you to approach?

Smoke
Dust
Strong perfumes
Cold air

Quick summary

Call 112 if bad. Sit upright. Give inhaler puffs. Keep watching.

Do This Now

Step 1: Call 112 if they cannot speak, lips are blue, or inhaler is not helping
Step 2: Help them sit upright
Step 3: Help them use their reliever inhaler — one puff at a time, up to 10 puffs spaced 30–60 seconds apart if severe
Step 4: Stay with them and monitor breathing

Do Not

❌

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT lay them flat — upright helps breathing.

❌

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT give sedatives, alcohol, or unprescribed medicines.

❌

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT assume the attack is over if wheezing stops suddenly — silence can mean airways are shutting.

How to Call for Help

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Say: "Asthma attack. Inhaler not working / lips blue / cannot speak." Give age and location.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Tell dispatch how many inhaler puffs were given and whether breathing is improving or worsening.

When Professional Care Is Needed

Call immediately if no improvement after inhaler, cannot speak, or lips turn blue.

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Severe asthma attacks need nebulizers, oxygen, and steroids — only emergency care provides these quickly.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Silent chest with no wheeze and extreme exhaustion means the attack is critical — ambulance cannot wait.

Know your limits: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Help with prescribed inhaler and positioning. Do not give someone else's medicine or oral steroids unless they are their own prescribed supply.

Call 112

This helper does not contact emergency services. You must call yourself.

Call 112

Learn more

When you are safe, you can read more about this emergency.

Full guide and explanation →Prepare beforehand →

This content is in Draft and has not been professionally reviewed. Use alongside calling emergency services.

Current step: Step 1 of 4

Call 112