Two new tools will be introduced into NSW schools to improve the care of children with asthma.
The Asthma First Aid Management in Schools eBook and the Schools and Child Services Action Plan for Asthma Flare-Up will give school staff the knowledge, tools and confidence to provide expert asthma first-aid in emergency situations.
Both tools were developed by respiratory specialists at Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, after a 2014 NSW Ombudsman report found 20 children died from asthma between 2004 and 2013.
The action plan brings together multiple asthma resources to ensure there is one standardised asthma first-aid form in schools across NSW.
All NSW teachers and school staff will be able to download the eBook via the Apple iStore.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said it is vital that people looking after children know how to recognise signs of an asthma flare-up and how to best respond.
“Asthma is often not understood as a potential killer but sadly, on average, it claims the lives of two children every year,” Mr Hazzard said.