Nine out of 10 people polled said they wouldn’t feel comfortable helping a child having an asthma attack, according to a story ran by the UK’s Press Association. As a result, the Asthma Foundation is stressing that a few simple steps can save a life. Education services manager, Robyn Ingleton, says, “Be calm and reassuring. Sit the person down and get them to lean forward slightly. Ensure that their arms are supported by their knees, a table or the arms of a chair. Give six puffs of a blue reliever inhaler (puffer), that’s Ventolin, Salamol, Respigen or Bricanyl. Use the person’s own inhaler if possible. But if not, use an inhaler from a First Aid kit, or borrow one from someone else. Remember: just one puff at a time. The best way of giving a reliever is through a spacer – a device that delivers the medicine to the airways of the lungs instead of the mouth, making it more effective (Bricanyl cannot be used with a spacer). If no spacer is available, you can use a polystyrene cup: punch a hole in the bottom and insert the inhaler through the hole. Place the top end of the cup over the person’s mouth and nose and activate the inhaler. If there is no improvement, give another six puffs (one at a time). This can be repeated up to six times (a total of 36 breaths). If still little or no improvement, it is vital that you call an ambulance on 111 immediately. Just state simply and clearly that the person is having an acute asthma episode. Keep giving six puffs every six minutes until the ambulance arrives."