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What to Say in an Emergency

When Calling Emergency Services for Severe Breathing Problems

Say exactly:

""I'm calling about my [age] child who is having severe breathing problems. They [can/cannot] speak in full sentences and their lips/face [are/are not] blue. This started [time] ago. They [have/don't have] asthma and [have/haven't] used their inhaler. We are at [your exact location/address].""

At the Emergency Room

Say exactly:

""My child is having breathing difficulties that started [time] ago. They have [known conditions like asthma]. I gave [medications/inhaler] at [time]. Their breathing is [describe: fast, labored, wheezing]. They [can/cannot] speak normally and [are/are not] using extra muscles to breathe.""

Step-by-Step Instructions

  • 1
    Assess Breathing Severity Immediately
    • Look for signs of severe distress: blue lips/face, inability to speak, extreme effort to breathe
    • Listen for sounds: wheezing, stridor (high-pitched sound), or silence (very concerning)
    • Watch chest movement: using neck/stomach muscles, chest pulling in with breaths
    • Check alertness: is child responsive and aware of surroundings?
    • If severe signs present, call 911 immediately and begin emergency care
  • 2
    For Known Asthma - Use Rescue Inhaler
    • Give rescue inhaler (albuterol/salbutamol) immediately if available
    • Use spacer device if you have one - it's more effective
    • Give 2-4 puffs, wait 1 minute, then assess breathing
    • Can repeat every 20 minutes up to 3 times before seeking emergency care
    • If no improvement after first dose, call for medical help while continuing treatment
    • Keep child calm and sitting upright
  • 3
    For Unknown Cause or No Inhaler Available
    • Keep child calm and in comfortable position (usually sitting upright)
    • Loosen tight clothing around neck and chest
    • Ensure fresh air circulation - open windows or go outside if air quality is good
    • Stay with child and monitor breathing continuously
    • Do not give food, drink, or medications unless prescribed
    • Prepare to call emergency services if breathing worsens
  • 4
    Monitor and Support
    • Count breathing rate: normal is 12-20 breaths per minute for older children
    • Watch for improvement or worsening every few minutes
    • Keep child as calm as possible - anxiety worsens breathing
    • Note any triggers that may have caused the episode
    • Be ready to start CPR if child becomes unconscious
    • Document timing of medications given and response
  • 5
    Follow-Up Care
    • Even if breathing improves, contact pediatrician within 24 hours
    • Schedule urgent appointment if this is first breathing episode
    • Review asthma action plan if child has asthma
    • Identify and avoid triggers that caused the episode
    • Ensure rescue medications are always available and not expired

Watch for Signs

Monitor your child for these symptoms:

🚩 Severe Breathing Emergency - Call 911

  • Blue or gray lips, face, or fingernails
  • Cannot speak in full sentences or phrases
  • Extreme difficulty breathing or gasping
  • Using neck and stomach muscles to breathe
  • Chest pulling in with each breath
  • High-pitched sound when breathing in (stridor)
  • Sudden silence after wheezing (very dangerous)
  • Loss of consciousness or extreme drowsiness
  • Severe anxiety or panic about breathing

💚 Mild to Moderate Breathing Issues

  • Mild wheezing that improves with inhaler
  • Slight increase in breathing rate
  • Can speak in full sentences
  • Normal skin color
  • Mild cough with clear or white mucus
  • Breathing improves with rest
  • Alert and responsive
  • No use of extra muscles to breathe

FAQs (Common Parent Questions)

"How do I know if it's asthma or something else?"

Asthma typically involves wheezing, responds to rescue inhalers, and may have known triggers. Other causes might include infections (fever, colored mucus), allergic reactions (hives, swelling), or foreign objects (sudden onset). When in doubt, seek medical evaluation.

"Can I give my child someone else's inhaler in an emergency?"

In a true emergency where your child is struggling to breathe and you have no other options, using another person's albuterol inhaler may be considered. However, always call 911 first and only do this under extreme circumstances.

"Should I take my child outside for fresh air?"

This depends on the cause. For indoor allergens or poor air quality, yes. But if it's cold air (which can trigger asthma) or outdoor allergens causing the problem, stay inside. Generally, a comfortable temperature with good air circulation is best.

"How many times can I give the rescue inhaler?"

For known asthma, you can give 2-4 puffs every 20 minutes up to 3 times (1 hour total) before seeking emergency care. If there's no improvement after the first dose, call for medical help while continuing treatment.

"What if my child is too young to use an inhaler properly?"

Use a spacer device with a mask for young children - it's actually more effective than inhaler alone. For infants, you may need a nebulizer. Always have age-appropriate delivery devices available and know how to use them.

Real Parent Tips

Real Parent Experiences

"We keep inhalers everywhere - car, school, grandparents' house. The one time we needed it and didn't have it was terrifying."

— Michelle T., Calgary

"Learning to stay calm was the hardest part. My panic made my daughter's breathing worse. Now I focus on slow, deep breaths myself first."

— David K., Vancouver

"The spacer device was a game-changer. My 4-year-old couldn't coordinate the inhaler alone, but with the spacer he gets the full dose."

— Priya M., Toronto
This guide is intended for quick reference and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a medical professional if uncertain.