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Volunteering at Scouts is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing to help us reach more young people

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Practical tips for leaders

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Practical tips for leaders

  • If a particular activity causes a problem, try to plan around it and have an alternative available – without making a fuss. 

  • The exercise, excitement and dust of the weekly meeting place may trigger asthma symptoms or an asthma attack. Often 1 or 2 puffs of a blue reliever inhaler will relieve symptoms quickly. 

  • For camps, holidays and outings it is important to ensure that anyone with medication including an inhaler brings it with them. 

  • Whilst away make sure that someone in the same tent or room knows that they must call for a leader if anyone is taken ill in the night. 

  • Discuss any special measures that need to be taken for expeditions with the young person concerned, and their parents if appropriate. 

  • Each individual with asthma will be different. Some can manage their own medication successfully, while others cannot. It is wise to check that the correct medication is available before starting an activity and that the individual knows how to use their inhaler. 

  • If medication is administered, make sure you know the correct dosage. If special equipment is required (e.g. spacer devices) ensure that you know how to operate it correctly. 

  • Try to keep calm if someone has an asthma attack. A crowd of spectators inducing additional fear, panic or excitement can make the attack worse. 

  • Leaders must recognise that for young people with asthma, control of their condition may become the subject of rebellion as part of their adolescent process.

An asthma attack must be treated seriously. If there is no medication to hand, or if the medication does not appear to have any effect, call an ambulance immediately.

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