| If you, as a non-sufferer, have ever witnessed an | | | | Most asthmatics have the very tools they need to |
| asthma suffering enduring an asthma attack, you will | | | | quell an attack close at hand: their inhalers. |
| know how terrifying an experience it can be and is it | | | | Asthmatics tend to keep these handy, so if you are |
| any wonder - never have experienced an attack | | | | going to the home of an asthmatic or going out in |
| yourself, it is only natural for you to imagine the worst | | | | public with them, ask them where their inhalers are |
| and panic. | | | | located – so you can grab them at short notice. |
| So, if you have a friend or family member who is | | | | Monitor the Situation - In rare instances, you may need |
| prone to asthma attacks you must be armed and | | | | to call for medical assistance if someone you know is |
| ready to help them and yourself, should an attack | | | | suffering from an asthma attack. Call for emergency |
| happen when you are around. | | | | help if any of the following occur: |
| Firstly, let me say you must KEEP | | | | - Inhalers and other medications do not seem to be |
| CALM, | | | | helping. |
| Secondly let me say you must KEEP CALM | | | | - The sufferer loses consciousness. |
| Thirdly let me | | | | - The sufferer cannot use their medication and thus |
| say KEEP | | | | the attack is continuing for longer than it should. |
| CALM | | | | Just be alert, aware and calm. |
| Why are we emphasising this? | | | | The vast majority of situations will need no outside |
| Well …Keeping Calm. - This may sound obvious, but it | | | | help at all, and will pass without incident. |
| is VITALLY important. Asthma attacks are often | | | | For more information (See resources box) |
| very distressing for the sufferer (and those watching) | | | | I wish for you and your family "Good Health" |
| and any anxiety or panic can actually make an attack | | | | Take Care, |
| worse. So if they see you panic – they may panic | | | | Love and Light |
| thinking things are a lot worse than they really are and | | | | Maggie |
| will make the attack worse. Therefore, if you are with | | | | Disclaimer |
| someone when they suffer an attack, it is essential | | | | It is important to note that information contained in this |
| that you keep calm, don't panic AND reassure them. | | | | post is not intended to replace professional medical |
| The next step is - Look for Their Inhalers. | | | | advice. |