Asthma Policy        

Aim

We aim for policy and practice to reflect real life.

At Green Umbrella all staff are able to recognise and manage asthmatic episodes promptly and efficiently, calling for further medical assistance if necessary.

Implementation

If you, a student, staff member or someone else is having a severe attack or finding breathing difficult call an ambulance (dial 000) immediately.

In the event of a severe asthmatic episode:

• Kept the child calm and quiet
• Collect the child’s medication and management plan (kitchen)
• call 000 - stay on the phone
• Administered the asthma medication as per the plan
• At the earliest available time the parents are called
• Parents or staff accompany the child in the ambulance
• A debrief is to be held with all appropriate people (staff and students) at a convenient time

Management process

• A Medical Asthma Plan is completed for each child diagnosed with Asthma and signed by the medical practitioner.  The plan is received prior to the child commencing at Green Umbrella or as soon as possible if a condition that is diagnosed after enrolment.
• One copy of each individual plan is kept in the hall kitchen. Other complete copies are kept in each child’s medical kit and in the emergency backpack.  These are updated annually or as required.  

The plan will outline:

• information about the student's diagnosis;
• strategies that OSHC can take to minimise risks using the communication and risk management plan developed with the parent;
• the location of the student's medication; and emergency contact details and an emergency response plan signed by the student's doctor

• There is a spare asthma first aid kit containing reliever medication, spacer, and instructions on use in the Hall kitchen.
• Children's own asthma medications and devices from home are clearly labelled and kept in the hall kitchen
• All staff members have had regular training in first aid and emergency asthma management training
• Staff are updated by parents via email if there are any changes to medical conditions for students

Understanding Asthma

One in ten people in Australia has asthma. Asthma is a condition of the airways. People with asthma have sensitive airways which react to triggers that set off their asthma. Some of these triggers can include viral infections, pollens, and exercise. Asthma is characterised by three main factors causing the airways to narrow:

• The inside lining of the airways becomes red and swollen (inflammation)
• Extra mucus (sticky fluid) may be produced, which can block up airways
• Muscles around the airways squeeze tight. This is called ‘bronchoconstriction’

Symptoms of a mild asthma attack:

•          Cough, wheeze

• Some shortness of breath
• Still able to speak in full sentences between breaths

Symptoms of moderate asthma attack:

• Continual cough, moderate to loud wheeze
• Obvious difficulty breathing
• Only able to speak in short phrases between breaths

Symptoms of a severe asthma attack:

• Severe difficulties breathing
• Speak no more than a few words at a time
• Wheeze is often quiet
• Sucking in of throat and rib muscles
• Pale and sweaty
• May have blue lips
• Very distressed and anxious

 As well as experiencing some of the above symptoms, young children may appear restless, unable to settle and may have problems eating or drinking. They may also have severe coughing or vomiting.

Statutory Legislation & Considerations

• Asthma Australia
• Children (Education and Care Services National Law Application) Act 2010
• Education and Care Services National Regulations Chapter 4  Part 4.2  Division 3;90
• National Quality Standards – Quality Area

Date Approved: October 2018

Date reviewed: November 2020

Date reviewed: November 2023

New date for review: November 2026