General News
18 October, 2024
Update your asthma plan
WITH Spring in full swing and warmer weather expected soon, paramedics are reminding asthmatics to update their action plans to stay safe.
Asthma can affect people of all ages and, if unmanaged, can develop into a serious health concern.
Ambulance Victoria (AV) director emergency management Justin Dunlop said creating an asthma action plan was an easy and potentially lifesaving step.
“It’s simple. Visit your GP and they can create a plan with you,” Mr Dunlop said.
“Everyone’s asthma action plan will look different and it will help you manage your condition, ensuring you don’t find yourself in an emergency.”
Adults should update their asthma action plan yearly, while every six months is recommended for children.
For those who suffer from hay fever and have also experienced asthma symptoms such as wheezing, breathlessness, shortness of breath, coughing and chest tightness, a visit to the GP is recommended.
Mr Dunlop said taking preventative action would make a real difference for busy paramedics.
“Follow your asthma action plan, and most importantly, if a person is having difficulty breathing and their reliever medicine is not working, don’t delay in calling Triple Zero (000),” he said.
AV is also encouraging everyone to know where to go for timely medical care and health advice to help save Triple Zero for emergencies.
The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) is available at www.vved.org.au and is a free 24/7 online service.
It connects people with emergency doctors and nurses from anywhere in the state.
You can also visit an Urgent Care Clinic (such as the one in Warrnambool) which provides GP-led care to those who need urgent care but not an emergency response.
Other options for care include GPs, pharmacists and Nurse-On-Call who can be reached on 1300 606 024.
To learn more about asthma action plans, visit the Better Health website at betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionandtreatments/asthma-action-plans
