Take 4 puffs of a blue 'reliever' inhaler, preferably with a spacer. Take 1 puff at a time and have 4 further breaths (also from the spacer if using one) after each puff. Wait 4 minutes. If there is no improvement, give another 4 puffs. If there is still little or no improvement, ring 000 for an ambulance.

While waiting for the ambulance keep giving a child 4 puffs every 4 minutes. Adults can have up to 6-8 puffs every 5 minutes for a severe attack. More info, www.nationalasthma.org.au/first_aid.html.