Real Stories of Medical Emergency Response
Asthma Attack in a Medical Office
Learn how to successfully respond to medical emergencies in the office, based on actual experiences in healthcare offices.
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Stories From Our Customers
Hear from our customers and learn how they responded to an asthma attack in their clinic using a HealthFirst Emergency Medical Kit.
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Close to 25 million people in the United States have asthma. Between 39% to 42% reported having an asthma attack in the last year.
Your Response Matters
An asthmatic patient can present at any time. You can respond by administering albuterol using the standard instructions for use (included with every medication you received from HealthFirst).
| Medication | Indication | Adult Dose & Route (>66 lb; >30 kg) | Pediatric Dose & Route (33 to 66 lb; 15 to 30 kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albuterol metered dose inhaler | Bronchospasm (acute asthma attack) | 1 - 2 puffs Spacer recommended Repeat every 5 minutes, PRN | 1 - 2 puffs Spacer recommended Repeat every 5 minutes, PRN |
Begin CPR if necessary.
If the patient is unresponsive and not breathing, it’s recommended that you begin CPR or compression-only CPR.
Appropriately position the patient.
If unresponsive, place them in the recovery position. However, if they are responsive the American Red Cross recommends encouraging them to sit and assume a comfortable position.
Provide medication.
Upon confirming that the patient is having an asthma attack, treat the patient with albuterol.
Monitor the patient.
Continue monitoring until you’re certain they no longer need additional care.
Keep their temperature regulated.
Keep them from getting too cold or hot.
Reassure the patient.
Maintain a calm demeanor and inform the patient that they will be okay. If appropriate, call EMS to ensure they don’t need further medical attention.
