Asthma Smoke Alert update

Asthma WA has been lucky enough to secure funding from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services to develop a pilot Asthma Alert service.

The purpose of the Asthma Alert service will be to notify people living with asthma and other respiratory conditions to smoke events that are expected or occurring.

We hope, once established, that this alert will empower people to take control of their asthma during a smoke event to reduce their risk of attack.

Before we establish this alert, we want to hear about how you are impacted by smoke events and how you would like to be alerted to a smoke event.

Please note: This survey is conducted by Research Solutions and will take about 6-8 minutes to complete. Your answers will be private and when the results are presented, no individual will be identified.

We look forward to keeping you up to date over the next 12 months about this pilot project.

We hope to launch the pilot in early 2020.

This project is proudly supported by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, Bureau of Meteorology, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and the Department of Health. 

Research has found a reduction in pollution could prevent 11% of new asthma diagnosis in Europe

Almost 67,000 new cases of asthma in children across 18 European countries could be prevented every year if levels of tiny particulates polluting the air are cut to recommended levels, research suggests.

The study joins a growing body of research into the impact of air pollution on human health. A landmark study published in April estimated that four million new asthma cases a year globally among those aged 1 to 18 were down to levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the air.

The latest study, which focused on asthma diagnosis among children aged one to 14, looked at components of toxic air including fine particulate matter known as PM2.5 as well as NO2, both of which are released by road vehicles and sources.

The study shows thousands of new cases of asthma could be prevented each year by adhering to guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

See the full article here. 

The free online training program for anyone working with children in sports, thanks to funding from Telethon,  has been getting a great response from coaches. 

Register now or share with your local coach: 

https://asthmawa.org.au/services/activ8-for-asthma/

Words from a netball coach, Lisa

“This winter season I am coaching an Under 15 Netball team and experienced for the first time ever how asthma can impact a player on the court. One minute she was on court playing as usual and then the next thing she was off court and couldn’t breathe, it happened so quick! Fortunately, her parents were at the game and had her reliever medication, the necessary asthma first aid was applied, and she recovered quite quickly but it then certainly raised issues.

As a Coach I am responsible for the players safety whether it is an injury or other medical condition while they are at training or on the court at game day. Therefore, it is imperative coaches are informed and have the necessary first aid kits to handle emergency situations.  Since this real life experience, I have completed the online training course provided by Asthma WA. The course is most informative and gives precise first aid guidelines on how to handle the situation when someone has difficulty breathing. I would really recommend all coaches to take the time to do the course because when someone has breathing issues it can happen so quickly, it can be frightening for all involved and can have serious consequences. We were just very fortunate on the day it happened to our player on our court.

NAIDOC Week - July

Respiratory Health Educators Yvonne and Rael, attended the Mirrabooka and Netball WA NAIDOC events raising awareness that asthma is more prevalent in Indigineous communities and educating on how to manage it. 

Particular focus was on good device technique and helping kids stay involved in sports with coach training of the free Activ8 for Asthma course, thanks to Telethon.

“It was so frightening.  I remember going past a field of dandelions on the school bus and suddenly having a massive asthma attack … spring was always the worst time for me”. 

As Suzie remembers, one of the most important things she learnt as a child through education with Asthma WA was that she wasn’t alone.  She found out how many people had asthma and all the different types of triggers, she learnt techniques to manage her asthma and from those early days, exercise has always been a part of her life.

Suzie has participated in the City to Surf for years and has always wanted to fundraise for asthma.  Maybe you have too?  You can donate to Suzie’s page today.

Or register to participate in an upcoming event!

• Rottnest Swim 23 Feb 2020
• Port to Pub 16 March 2020
• Run 4 a Reason 19 May 2020