Commenting on Asthma UK Cymru’s report highlighting a ‘shocking and dangerous’ gap in knowledge about how to treat asthma attacks, Shadow Minister for Health Andrew RT Davies AM said:
“It is deeply concerning that 89% of adults feel that they would not know what to do if a child in their care had an asthma attack.
“Having met with Asthma UK Cymru today to discuss the matter, it seems that many people are aware of the condition but would not know how to translate this awareness into action if a child was having an asthma attack.
“I commend the work of Asthma UK Cymru. Their wallet sized card, which carries information on the simple steps to take when someone is having an attack, is an excellent resource that will undoubtedly save lives.
“Asthma UK Cymru also offers a service where a trained professional will go into schools to show teachers and staff how to deal with asthma attacks. Unfortunately, because of restrictions on time and resources only 20 schools in Wales have been able to take advantage of this valuable service.
“I would urge the Health Minister to work with her colleagues the Education and Social Justice Ministers to ensure that people working with children are provided with ample information on how to treat a child having an asthma attack.
“A coordinated approach is vital in ensuring that we do not see tragedies like that of 11-year-old Samuel Linton being repeated.”
