Asthma

Strategies for Schools / Teachers

1. Overview of strategies for schools.

All schools are encouraged to become an Asthma Friendly School. An Asthma Friendly School is one that adopts and works towards strategies that actively support the whole school community in the management of asthma. Call Asthma Victoria for information about becoming Asthma Friendly, or visit the Asthma Friendly Schools section of their website

To care for a child with asthma all schools should endeavour to:
• Adopt the Victorian Schools Asthma Policy 4.5.7 of Victorian Government Schools Reference Guide. Click here for a pdf version of this policy.
• Always ensure there is an Asthma Action Plan for each child with asthma kept in a central location. This will help all school staff to know how to recognise worsening asthma symptoms, how to treat them quickly and when to seek medical help. Click here for a pdf version of the Asthma Action Plan for School Use. There is also the School Camp Asthma Action Plan available here in pdf version.
• Know how to carry out Asthma First Aid:

Follow the 4 Step Asthma Emergency First Aid Plan below:

Step 1: Sit the person upright and give reassurance.

Step 2: Without delay give 4 separate puffs of a reliever (Airomir, Asmol, Bricanyl, Epaq or Ventolin). The medication is best given one puff at a time via a spacer *. Ask the person to take 4 breaths from the spacer after each puff of medication.

Step 3: Wait 4 minutes

Step 4: If there is little or no improvement, repeat steps 2 and 3.

If there is still little or no improvement, call an ambulance immediately (Dial 000) and state that person is having an asthma attack (Call an ambulance at anytime of the 4 step plan if your are concerned about the persons condition).
Continuously repeat steps 2 and 3 while waiting for the ambulance.

*Just use the puffer on its own if you don’t have a spacer.

Link(s) to other useful online resources for schools on
strategies in responding to a child/young person with this condition

Asthma Victoria has a HelpLine available Monday to Friday, during business hours.

If you have any asthma related questions ring 9326 7088,
or toll free 1800 645 130.

Asthma at School for School Staff: a multi-page brochure available here in pdf version

A guide to asthma written for use by teeenages: a multi-page brochure available here in pdf version