Asthma affects around one out of every five children in Ireland. Whilst it can’t be cured, asthma can be well controlled. Children whose asthma is well controlled can live happy, healthy lives. Poorly controlled asthma, however, can have a big impact on a child’s health, as well as their ability to play and learn.

Uncontrolled asthma causes children to miss school, can lead to hospitalisation, and in a small number of cases children can die from asthma. Given the high prevalence of asthma amongst children in Ireland, it is vital that those caring for children – particularly parents and teachers – understand the risks associated with asthma and what to do in the case of a potentially fatal attack.

About the programme

The programme aims to engage and educate primary school teachers and special needs assistants (SNAs) about asthma. Those who participate receive training on basic life support and the administration of salbutamol for the emergency treatment of children under 16 experiencing an acute asthma attack. Once they have completed the training, participants receive certification which is valid for two years. It helps enhance asthma management and awareness in schools across Ireland, foster social inclusion, and build skills and capacity amongst teachers and SNAs.

The project comprised three main elements: in-person training, an online webinar, and the distribution of information to participating schools.

This project has been running on a regular basis and has been highly successful.

Asthma awareness in schools

An Asthma Safe Schools programme survey revealed that:

  • 35% of principals reported that a child had had an asthma attack in their school.
  • Despite over 94% recognising that asthma can be life threatening, 88% were unaware of the steps involved in the 5 Step Rule which outlines the steps to take during an asthma attack.
  • Over 82% said that neither they nor their colleagues would be confident about managing an asthma attack to keep a child safe.
  • Over 80% reported that none of the teachers in their school had training on how to administer an inhaler.
  • No school had a dedicated reliever inhaler on the premises to be used in the event of an asthma emergency.
  • More than three quarters of principles (almost 77%) felt their school is not asthma safe.

“We have several students that have asthma, last year we had a student who had to go home on a few occasions after an asthma attack. We would like to be trained in what to do in these situations.” – St. Patrick’s NS

“We have increasing numbers of children attending with respiratory issues many of whom are not being diagnosed with asthma due to their young age despite obvious breathing difficulties during P.E / yard times.” – St Brigid’s Infant School

“We have lots of children with asthma and for many reasons they don’t always have their inhaler with them” – Esker ETNS

 

Programme activities

1. Asthma Safe Schools training

We aim to provide essential training and resources to primary school teachers and special needs assistants (SNAs) for effectively managing asthma emergencies among children.

Training components:

  • In-person training: Certified (Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council) PHECC training sessions educating one teacher per school on basic life support and the administration of salbutamol during acute asthma attacks. This certification is valid for two years and allows the school to have a reliever inhaler for use if needed.
  • Training webinar: An online seminar led by respiratory specialists and the Asthma Society CEO to educate teachers and SNAs on asthma management. The session is recorded for accessibility and distribution afterward.
  • Educational resources: Information packs and resources are distributed to participating schools, to support with asthma awareness and management.

2. Asthma Safe Schools webinar series

  • Live Back 2 School webinar for teachers and SNAs: Usually held in early September with a respiratory nurse, a teacher/SNA who has been involved in the programme, and the Asthma Society CEO.
  • Live Back 2 School webinar for parents of children with asthma: Usually held in late August with a parenting counsellor, a paediatric consultant and the Asthma Society CEO.

3. Advocacy

We intend to run this programme in the future and deliver training to more teachers around Ireland, we recognise that system-level changes are also needed, which would result in enhanced quality of life for school children in Ireland.

Key asks:

We will advocate for ventilation and air purification in schools, as well as the removal of restrictions on Salbutamol storage and administration in public bodies

That the Government overturn the asthma section of the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2015 – i.e. administration of reliever inhaler Salbutamol (SABA), to a person, without a prescription, for the purpose of saving their life or reducing severe distress in an asthma emergency.

Make first aid training, including emergency response to asthma attacks mandatory.

Get involved

If you have any questions about the programme or if you would like to get involved, please email sophie.nash@asthmasociety.ie.