Overview

Schools should consider keeping more than one emergency asthma kit, especially if covering more than one site, to ensure that all children within the school environment are close to a kit.

They must not be locked away in a cupboard or an office where access is restricted.

Where to purchase

You can purchase inhaler kits online or via a local pharmacy. 

Pharmacists will need a request signed by the principal or headteacher (ideally on appropriately headed paper) stating:

• the name of the school for which the product is required
• the purpose for which that product is required, and the total quantity required

What the kit should include

An emergency asthma inhaler kit should include:

• a salbutamol metered dose inhaler
• at least two single-use plastic spacers compatible with the inhaler
• instructions on using the inhaler and spacer/plastic chamber
• instructions on cleaning and storing the inhaler
• manufacturer’s information
• a checklist of inhalers, identified by their batch number and expiry date, with monthly checks recorded
• a note of the arrangements for replacing the inhaler and spacers a list of children permitted to use the emergency inhaler, as detailed in their individual healthcare plans
• a record of administration (i.e. when the inhaler has been used

Please make sure:

• emergency inhaler kits should be maintained on a monthly basis
• holders should be washed after use to prevent cross contamination
• if there is a risk of contamination with blood, if inhaler has been used without a spacer, then it should not be re-used

School form templates

Medical form templates have been created as an aid to schools, their use is entirely voluntary.

• Template L should be completed by parents to consent for the use for the emergency inhaler
• Template M should be used by the school to inform parents a dose has been given

Medical form templates .DOC, 3.6KB, 26 pages

Asthma inhalers

Since 1st October 2014 UK schools have been allowed to purchase a salbutamol inhaler without a prescription for use in emergencies when a child with asthma cannot access their own inhaler.

See the guidance for schools in England on using emergency inhalers.

When purchasing an inhaler, please make sure:

• spare reliever inhalers can be purchased from Pharmacists
• inhalers should only be given to pupils already diagnosed with asthma whose reliever is not in school or runs out
• spare spacers should be purchased where necessary