Translate

Asthma Attack: Emergency Safety Plans

Key Information

Different Plans: Emergency steps depend on whether you use a standard blue inhaler or a MART "2-in-1" inhaler.
Know Your Plan: You must know which plan applies to your medication.
When in Doubt: If you are unsure, or the patient is unconscious, call 999 immediately.

Signs of an Asthma Attack

An asthma attack can develop gradually or suddenly. Watch for:

Symptoms: Coughing, wheezing, breathlessness, or a tight chest not responding to usual treatment.
Severity: Struggling to speak, eat, or sleep due to breathlessness.
Speed: Breathing becoming faster and feeling unable to “catch your breath.”

PLAN A: For "Blue Inhaler" Users

Use this plan if you have a separate blue rescue inhaler (e.g. Ventolin or Salamol).

Sit Up: Sit up straight and try to stay calm.
Puff: Take one puff every 30–60 seconds.
Maximum: You can take up to 10 puffs.
Emergency: If you do not improve after 10 puffs, or feel worse at any time, call 999.
The Wait: If the ambulance takes longer than 15 minutes, repeat the 10 puffs.

PLAN B: For "MART" Users

Use this plan if you use a combination inhaler for both prevention and relief (Maintenance and Reliever Therapy).

Sit Up: Sit up straight and try to stay calm.
Puff: Take one puff of your MART inhaler.
Wait: Wait one minute.
Repeat: If still breathless, take one puff every minute up to a maximum of 6 puffs (or as stated in your personal plan).
Emergency: If no improvement after 6 puffs, or you worsen at any time, call 999.
The Wait: If the ambulance takes longer than 15 minutes, you may repeat the steps.

After an Attack

Even if you feel better after using your inhaler, you must contact the surgery for an urgent follow-up. We need to review your treatment to reduce the risk of another attack.