Respiratory Care WA urges teachers and staff to be prepared for asthma flare-ups as kids head back to school

Schools are being urged to ensure teachers and other staff are prepared to handle asthma flare-ups and emergencies in the classroom, as thousands of students prepare to return this week. In WA, one in 13 children have asthma and it is one of the most common reasons for kids needing to go to hospital. Asthma made up 39 per cent of emergency department attendances for 0-17 year olds in 2022. With hospital visits for asthma-related issues usually increasing 20 per cent in February, Respiratory Care WA is urging teachers to take steps to understand common triggers and know the right first aid responses. Asthma is also a leading cause of school absenteeism among children aged 5-14 years, with students with asthma having double the number of days off school than kids without the chronic lung condition. Respiratory Care WA chief executive Anne Hallam said teachers and school staff having the right knowledge can help ensure students can participate in activities such as outdoor excursions and sports — areas they’ve often been excluded from due to concerns over their condition. “Asthma flare-ups can occur at any time, and in a classroom setting, quick and confident action from teachers can make a life-saving difference,” she said. “Studies have found that teachers often feel uncomfortable managing children with asthma due to a lack of training and clear policies on asthma management. “That’s why we’re urging schools to implement annual in-service asthma training for all staff. This will increase teacher knowledge and confidence in managing acute asthma attacks.” Respiratory Care WA want teachers and school staff to join its free one-hour sessions covering essential topics such as recognising asthma symptoms and flare-ups, medication and triggers, asthma first aid and more. These sessions can be conducted online or in person and are fully customised to meet the unique needs of each school’s student demographics. “The more schools we can reach, the more children and their families in Western Australia can be confident at school and live their best lives,” Ms Hallam said.