Last updated on 22/11/2018

People with asthma, particularly those triggered by dust and pollens, are urged to make immediate preparations for the impending dust storm approaching Sydney and Canberra today.

If you have asthma you are advised to:

  • Ensure you have a blue reliever puffer at hand. Blue puffers are available over the counter at any pharmacy.
  • Keep inside and close windows and doors to limit exposure
  • Follow your Asthma Action Plan
  • Turn air conditioners off or to recycle inside air only
  • Ensure you or a loved one know the 4 steps for asthma first aid and what to do in an asthma emergency https://asthma.org.au/about-asthma/living-with-asthma/asthma-attack/
  • If you experience asthma symptoms and these worsen, seek medical intervention or in the event of an emergency call Triple Zero (000) and start asthma first aid.

Asthma First Aid

  1. Sit the person upright
  2. Give 4 separate puffs of a blue/grey reliever puffer
  3. Wait 4 minutes
  4. Repeat if no improvement
  5. If no improvement call Triple Zero (000)

Important Contacts

  • 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462) free service for asthma advice from Asthma Educators
  • Asthma First Aid steps: https://asthmaaustralia.staging.elcomcms.com/act/about-asthma/asthma-emergency
  • National Home Doctor Service Tel. 13 SICK (13 7425) for after-hours home doctor visits (bulked billed)
  • If you are unable to access a General Practitioner, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) available 24hrs 7 days. https://www.health.qld.gov.au/13health
  • To speak to a registered nurse, call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222*(this is an Australian wide 24 hour triage)
  • In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000)

One in nine Australians have asthma and people with hay fever have a higher likelihood of experiencing asthma.