St John to parents – call ambulance sooner for asthma

5 May 2011

• Joint media statement: St John and the Asthma Foundation

St John to parents – call an ambulance sooner about asthma attacks

St John, which provides ambulance services to 90 percent of New Zealanders, has put its support behind the Asthma Foundation’s work to reduce dangerous asthma attacks.

“Asthma is still a serious problem in our community and we still see people with life threatening attacks and some deaths from this disease,” says St John
Medical Advisor, Dr Craig Ellis.

The Asthma Foundation’s Chief Executive, Angela Francis, says she welcomes St John’s support and endorses their message.

Dr Ellis, is calling on parents to obtain a child asthma plan – available at www.asthmafoundation.org.nz – and fill them out together with their child and their child’s GP.

“Many people, usually with mild asthma, underestimate how serious their condition can be and we urge people to review their asthma care regularly with their GP or an asthma educator [available through their nearest Asthma Society, a directory of which can be found at www.asthmafoundation.org.nz].”

He also says parents should call an ambulance sooner rather than later if their child’s asthma concerns them.

“We ask those with asthma to call an ambulance early [or one for their child] when things are starting to get beyond their comfort zone and not to wait until things are starting to get out of control.”

ENDS

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