Bum Bag Asthma Kits

An emergency inhaler is a reliever inhaler kept by a school for use in an emergency by eligible pupils with asthma. It can provide rapid relief during an asthma attack by delivering Salbutamol, which helps to relax the muscles around the airways and makes it easier to breathe.

Benedict’s Law highlights the importance of effective allergy management and emergency preparedness in schools. As some children with food allergies also have asthma, schools should consider both anaphylaxis and asthma when reviewing their emergency response procedures. DfH state "Schools might like to keep the emergency kit together with an "emergency asthma inhaler kit" (containing an inhaler device and spacer). Many food-allergic children also have asthma, and asthma is a common symptom during food-induced anaphylaxis." The latest statutory guidance from DfE states “It is recommended that schools keep emergency asthma reliever inhalers alongside “spare” adrenaline devices.”

A school's emergency inhaler should only be used by children who have been diagnosed with asthma, have been prescribed a reliever inhaler and whose parent or guardian has given consent for an emergency inhaler to be used. Schools should follow their own asthma policy and relevant guidance when using an emergency inhaler.

Salbutamol is a fast-acting reliever medicine used to help relieve the symptoms of asthma, including wheezing, coughing and breathlessness. It works by relaxing the muscles in the airways, helping to open them and make breathing easier.

Standard Salbutamol inhalers typically contain approximately 200 doses. Always check the individual product packaging and Patient Information Leaflet for specific information about the inhaler supplied.

Yes. A spacer can be used with a compatible metered-dose inhaler to make administration easier and help the medicine reach the lungs. Schools can view our range of spacers for suitable options.

Both Salbutamol inhalers and Ventolin Evohaler contain Salbutamol, a fast-acting reliever medicine used to help relieve asthma symptoms. Ventolin Evohaler is a branded Salbutamol inhaler, while other Salbutamol inhalers are available as alternative products. Always follow the instructions supplied with the individual inhaler.

Emergency inhalers should be stored in an easily accessible, clearly identified location known to relevant staff. They should be stored in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and protected from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight and other conditions that could affect the medicine. Schools should also ensure inhalers remain readily available for use in an emergency.

An emergency inhaler kit can help schools keep the equipment and documentation needed to support their emergency inhaler policy together in one place. Depending on the kit, this may include a Salbutamol inhaler, spacer, asthma log folder, inhaler stickers, asthma attack guidance and identification signage.

An asthma log can help schools keep important information and records relating to their emergency inhaler provision together in one place. It can make it easier for staff to check details such as parental consent and maintain appropriate records in line with the school's asthma policy.

Emergency inhalers should be clearly labelled and stored separately from pupils' personal inhalers so they can be quickly identified when needed. Inhaler stickers and suitable signage can help staff distinguish emergency inhalers and locate them easily.

Schools should check their emergency inhalers and associated equipment regularly as part of their asthma policy and routine first aid checks. Checks should be recorded monthly, including each inhaler's batch number and expiry date. This should also include checking the inhaler's condition and remaining doses, and ensuring any spacers, documentation and signage are present and accessible.

Follow the school's asthma policy and emergency procedures. Use the child's own reliever inhaler where available and follow the appropriate steps for treatment. If the child becomes worse or you are concerned about their condition, call 999.