Asthma Management

The Queensland Government has recently modified legislation as it relates to management of an asthma attack, to enable sporting groups to more effectively manage a person experiencing an asthma attack. The legislation now states:

“To the extent necessary to perform first aid at a workplace or community event, a person who has

completed an asthma management course approved by the chief executive is authorised to administer S3 salbutamol or S3 terbutaline (s256B(1)). In this section – community event includes a sporting or recreational event (s256B(2))”

Further information about the legislative requirements as it relates to asthma first aid management in a workplace or sporting club is available from the following QLD Government  factsheet:

http://www.health.qld.gov.au/ph/documents/ehu/asthma_mgtcourses.pdf

As indicated in the appendix of this factsheet, SMA QLD’s Sports First Aid course has been deemed satisfactory in achieving the specific learning objectives relative to asthma management, as oulined in the chief executive’s approval for asthma management, as on completion of our course particpants are issued a Statement of Attainment showing the uit of competence HLTFA301B Apply First Aid.

As Sports First Aid is a prerequisite to enroll on the Level 1 Sports Trainer course it should be known that all SMA QLD Sports First Aiders and Sports Trainers are appropriately trained and recognised to manage an Asthma attack.

If alternative training is something that you would like to consider, an Asthma First Aid Management Workshop is now offered by The Asthma Foundation of Queensland, that meets the requirements set out by Queensland Health. Completing this $80.00 one-hour workshop will enable a representative of your sporting club to purchase and administer blue reliever medication, to manage an asthma attack in a client or colleague. For more information please call the AsthmaInfo Line on 1800 645 130.