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Civilian Emergency Platform
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person with asthma is wheezing, coughing, and struggling to breathe. Their usual inhaler is not enough.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — NOT EXPERT REVIEWED — NOT FOR PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — High-pitched wheeze or silent chest — very little air moving.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Cannot speak more than a few words between breaths.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Sucking in skin between ribs or at throat (retractions).
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Blue lips, confusion, or exhaustion — attack may be about to stop breathing.
Scene hazards: Smoke, Dust, Strong perfumes, Cold air
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Ask: "Where is your inhaler?" Help them sit upright immediately.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Move away from triggers — smoke, dust, cold wind.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Shake inhaler. If spacer available, attach it. One puff, slow deep breath in, hold 10 seconds if possible.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Wait 30–60 seconds between puffs. Up to 10 puffs total while waiting for ambulance if attack is severe.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 if no improvement after several puffs or any danger signs above.
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.
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.
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.
MYTH: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Asthma attacks are always mild and pass on their own
REALITY: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Asthma kills. Call 112 when usual inhaler is not enough or the person cannot speak.
DANGER: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Waiting until the person collapses from lack of oxygen.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Asthma narrows the airways. Muscles tighten and swelling blocks airflow. A reliever inhaler opens airways temporarily.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A severe attack can become life-threatening within minutes if airways close completely.