Emergency responders have urged asthmatic residents to carry a rescue inhaler at all times following the death of a patient, a man in his fourties, found with an empty pump in Faerie Glen.

Volunteer Emergency Medical Response Unit (Vemru) director Casper Visser said they received a call on Tuesday, October 20, for a patient with known asthma who was struggling to breathe.

“Shortly after, an off-duty advanced life support paramedic notified us that the patient had gone into cardiac arrest and started CPR.”

Visser said paramedic members on the scene, joined by ER24 and PVES, initiated advanced cardiac life support resuscitation with mechanical compression.

“After seeing a notable improvement, the patient was transported with active CPR to a nearby private hospital for further resuscitation attempts. Unfortunately, shortly after arrival, the patient deteriorated rapidly and was declared deceased.”

The patient’s asthma pump was found empty after the incident, Visser said.

“If you are diagnosed with asthma, please carry an extra pump on you at all times,” he said.

He expressed his deepest condolences to the deceased’s family.

This call followed another incident on Saturday, October 17, when a patient was treated during a severe asthma attack.

Visser said the patient recovered after using her inhaler, receiving oxygen and getting breathing coaching.

Asthma management tips

Always carry your rescue inhaler.

Have an extra inhaler accessible in your bag, car or with a family member or colleague.

Avoid known asthma triggers where possible.

Learn to identify the early symptoms of an attack.

Make an asthma action plan with your doctor, and note every attack and suspected cause for future checkups.

What to do during an attack

Sit the person upright and stay with them.

Help them use their prescribed reliever according to their asthma action plan.

Call emergency medical services if symptoms are severe or worsening.

Do not make them lie flat, give them someone else’s medication or delay getting help.

Vemru is a registered non-profit company and public benefit organisation that responds to medical and trauma emergencies for free.

Visser said Vemru relies solely on sponsors and donations for operational costs.

“Please consider supporting this life-saving cause. Sponsorship opportunities and Section 18A tax certificates are available for businesses and individuals,” he said.

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