Microsoft word - asthma policy.doc

Elder Street Early Childhood Centre
ASTHMA POLICY
To provide appropriate care and treatment for children who suffer Asthma in compliance with parent/carer wishes and in accordance with each
child’s Asthma Record Card and Management Plan.
Implementation:
On enrolment into Elder Street Early Childhood Centre, we ask that parents complete an Asthma Record card. This card enables carer’s an
awareness of each child’s asthma condition and the treatment that you wish
us to implement upon an asthma attack. It also provides vital information and
clues as to what type of symptoms your child displays when suffering a mild to
severe asthma attack. We have been advised by Asthma Australia that the
Asthma record card should be completed in consultation with your doctor and
that it is important to advise us of any changes in your child’s condition,
treatment and overall Asthma Management Plan. The Asthma management
plan should be updated by your doctor every 6 months.
Asthma Medications
If a parent wishes to leave their child’s asthma medication at the centre when they are in attendance, we ask that it be kept in a lunch box type
container, and fully marked with their name and its contents. If they are on
preventative medication on a long term basis, we will instruct parents in
providing a standing order for the medication required, which should also be
listed on their doctor provided Asthma Management Plan.
Play and Asthma
The Australian Asthma Foundation state that children with Asthma need not be limited by their condition. Reducing the likelihood of asthma symptoms occurring can be achieved by following simple steps, that we adhere to at Elder Street, they are: * Refer to child’s Asthma Action Plan to determine if the child requires Begin play with some gentle warm up exercises in the area where the Ensure children are warmly dressed if the weather is cold. If a parent feels that their child is unwell and would prefer to keep their activity to a minimum, especially outdoor physical play, then we will always follow their instructions in this regard. All staff are made aware of each child’s asthma condition and Asthma Record Card and management plan on enrolment. A copy of same is kept in the child’s room for access to staff and also on file in the office for reference.
Treatment of children suffering from breathing difficulties

Our policy at the centre, for any child showing signs of breathing difficulties, whether they have an Asthma Management Plan or not, is to again follow the four stages of care outlined by Asthma Australia, as our main priority is to treat the child as quickly as possible. Please see Asthma Management Plan cards attached for further information. Asthma Management in Preschool aged children
– by Karen Goodall, Community Asthma Educator
Asthma is the most common condition affecting children in Australia. It affects 1 in 4 primary school (and younger) children, 1 in 7 high school students and 1 in 10 adults. Asthma cannot be cured, however it can be managed and many children do not continue to have episodes into adulthood. If it is not managed properly it can lead to frequent sickness, poor concentration, tiredness and lethargy as well as affecting the child’s ability to partake in activities. The major trigger of asthma in the preschool age group is viral infections (coughs and colds). There are several things that you as parents can do to help manage your child’s asthma: Ensure that you tell the centre if your child has ever had asthma, even if they only suffer from it once or twice a year. There is always a chance that they may have an attack at the centre. Ensure that your child is given their medication as prescribed. If required, preventers must be taken every day, usually twice a day. Use blue relievers (ie, ventolin, asmol, respolin, airomir, bricanyl) as necessary. If they are needed ore than 3 times per week your child may need to start or increase preventative medication. So see your Doctor if this is the case. Use a reliever 2 puffs 3-4 times a day at the first sign of a cold to help prevent an attack. Ensure that you take your child’s reliever puffer to the centre, preferably with a spacer, for use during acute episodes. Tell the staff that you have brought it and they will store it in a safe place. However, should you forget, the centre does have these for emergency situations. Always give young children (especially under the age of 8 years) their asthma medication using a puffer and spacer as this is the best means of delivery for this age group. Ensure that your child has an action plan completed by his/her doctor, which you can understand and follow. Please provide the centre with a copy of this – (see Asthma Record Card and Management Plans available from office). For more information regarding asthma please contact the Community Asthma Support Service 62052000 for an appointment. We provide family or one to one education sessions for parents and children/young people with asthma. FIRST AID FOR ASTHMA
Sit the person comfortably upright. Be calm and reassuring. Give 4 puffs of blue RELIEVER inhaler (puffer) - Ventolin, Asmol, Brica
Relievers are best given through a SPACER if available. Use 1 puff
at a time and ask the person to take 4 breaths from the spacer after
each puff.
Use the person’s own inhaler if possible. If not use one from a first Wait 4 minutes. If there is no improvement, give another 4 puffs. CALL AN AMBULANCE IMMEDIATELY (DIAL 000)
And state that the person is having an asthma attack. Keep giving 4 puffs every 4 minutes until the ambulance arrives. Children: 4 puffs each time is a safe dose

Source: http://www.elderstreetechc.com/policies/ASTHMA%20POLICY.pdf