Medical Conditions Training: Asthma

Around three children in every class have asthma, so sooner or later one will be wheezing in front of you. Because it's so common, it's easy to take lightly, and that's how a child ends up sent down the corridor to fetch an inhaler from their bag, and collapses on the way.

A qualified school nurse shows you what to do instead. Sit the child up, keep them where they are and send someone for the blue reliever inhaler. Give it through a spacer, one puff at a time, up to 10 puffs, and call 999 if it isn't working or their lips turn blue. You'll also learn to tell a child who can still talk from one who can't finish a sentence and needs you now.

The rest is prevention: each child's triggers, their asthma care plan, and an inhaler that's never locked in the office after hours.