Asthma Awareness & Management

Course Overview

Asthma Awareness & Management training gives learners the knowledge and confidence to recognise asthma symptoms, understand triggers, and respond appropriately during an asthma attack.

Here’s something that might surprise you. Prima Cura’s lead trainer has asthma. Managed well, day to day, no drama. But a few years ago, at a battle re-enactment, she had an attack. The people around her, experienced and capable people who knew her, didn’t recognise it. They assumed she was out of breath from the physical effort. It took a stranger to spot what was actually happening and help her get to her inhaler.

No one did anything wrong. They just didn’t know what they were looking at.

That’s exactly what this training addresses.

Asthma is one of the most common long-term conditions in the UK, and for many people, it is something they manage every day without issue. However, when asthma is not well controlled or when an attack occurs, it can become serious very quickly.

In care settings, schools, workplaces and community environments, staff are often the first to notice when something is not right. Recognising the early signs of deterioration and knowing how to respond appropriately can make a significant difference.

The course focuses on recognising triggers, supporting individuals with their management plans, and responding confidently to asthma attacks. It also helps staff understand their role, including when to escalate concerns and how to work within care plans and organisational procedures.

This training reflects current UK best practice and is informed by NHS guidance on asthma and the NICE/BTS/SIGN Joint Guideline NG245, the most recent national clinical standard for asthma diagnosis and management.

Asthma awareness is incorporated into our Paediatric First Aid and First Aid at Work courses.

Course Details

  • Duration: Half day (3-4 hours)
  • Delivery: Face-to-face, in-house or remote via Zoom/Teams
  • Certificate: Certificate of attendance
  • Validity: Recommended refresher every 1–3 years
  • Group size: Flexible

Who the Course Is For

This course is suitable for:

  • Health and social care staff
  • Support workers and care assistants
  • Teachers, school staff, and SEN teams
  • Early years and childcare professionals
  • Employers and workplace first aiders
  • Family members and carers supporting someone with asthma

No prior medical knowledge is required.

Why This Training Is Important

Asthma-related emergencies are often preventable. Not always, but often. Early recognition, calm and correct use of medication, and knowing when to call for help are what make the difference.

The problem is that asthma doesn’t always look like what people expect. Symptoms can be subtle at first. Wheezing isn’t always dramatic. Someone might look like they’re just struggling a bit, catching their breath, slowing down. And so people wait, unsure whether it’s a big deal.

By the time it’s obvious, it’s already gone further than it needed to.

In care and education settings, this also connects to your duty of care, safeguarding responsibilities, and safe medication support obligations. Getting it right isn’t just good practice. It’s part of your legal and professional responsibilities.

This course teaches staff to recognise asthma for what it is and act without hesitation when it matters.

What You Will Learn

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

  • Explain what asthma is and how it affects the airways
  • Identify common asthma triggers and risk factors
  • Recognise mild, moderate, and severe asthma symptoms
  • Respond appropriately to an asthma attack
  • Support safe and effective use of inhalers and spacers
  • Understand when emergency medical help is required
  • Promote good asthma management in everyday settings

Course Content

The course typically covers:

  • What asthma is and how it affects breathing
  • Types of asthma and individual differences
  • Common triggers and risk factors
  • Signs and symptoms of worsening asthma
  • Asthma medication, including relievers, preventers, and spacers
  • Step-by-step response to an asthma attack
  • When to call emergency services
  • Supporting people with asthma safely and confidently
  • Reducing risk through awareness and good practice

How the Course Is Delivered

Sessions are delivered by experienced Prima Cura instructors using real-world examples, clear explanations, and scenario-based discussions. The focus is on building confidence, not just covering content. There’s always time for questions, and sessions are designed to reflect the actual environments your staff work in.

Delivery options:

  • Face-to-face group training at your premises
  • Live online sessions via Zoom or Teams
  • Blended learning, where needed

All training is brought to you. No sending staff off-site, no juggling travel logistics.

Certification & Validity

Learners receive a CPD-accredited Asthma Awareness and Management certificate on completion.

There is no fixed legal renewal period, but refresher training is recommended annually to maintain confidence and ensure knowledge remains up to date.

In-House & Bespoke Training

All training is delivered in-house or remotely and tailored to your organisation.

We can:

  • Align training with your policies and procedures
  • Incorporate your medication protocols
  • Adapt scenarios to your setting
  • Support teams with mixed experience levels

This ensures training is relevant and meaningful to your team.

Course Location & Service Areas

We deliver in-house training at your workplace or chosen venue, tailored to your needs and schedule. This flexible approach removes the need to send staff off-site for essential learning.

Our experienced trainers deliver courses across Manchester and Greater Manchester, supporting organisations throughout the North West.

We also provide on-site training throughout England, covering major cities, towns, and regions nationwide, including North England, South England, London, and Surrey.

Wherever and however the training is delivered, all sessions are led by experienced Prima Cura Training instructors and meet the same high standards.

FAQs

What is asthma, and why is it important for staff to understand it?

Asthma is a long-term condition that affects the airways, causing them to become inflamed and narrowed, which makes breathing difficult. For staff, understanding asthma is important because symptoms can change quickly. Being able to recognise early signs of deterioration and respond appropriately helps prevent situations from becoming more serious and supports safer care overall.

What are the signs of an asthma attack?

Common signs include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and difficulty speaking in full sentences. In some cases, symptoms may escalate quickly, and the person may become distressed or fatigued. Recognising these signs early allows staff to act promptly and follow the individual’s care plan.

What should staff do during an asthma attack?

Staff should remain calm, reassure the individual and support them to use their reliever inhaler in line with their care plan or medical guidance. The individual should be encouraged to sit upright and breathe slowly. If symptoms do not improve, worsen, or there are concerns about their condition, emergency services should be contacted without delay. Knowing when to escalate is a key part of safe practice.

Does this course include inhaler training?

Yes. The course includes practical guidance on different types of inhalers, how they work and how to support individuals to use them correctly. This includes understanding the difference between reliever and preventer inhalers, correct technique, and common issues that can affect effectiveness. The focus is on safe support within a care or education setting, rather than clinical prescribing.

Is this course suitable for schools and early years settings?

Yes. Asthma is common in children, and schools and early years settings often have responsibility for supporting pupils with asthma. This course helps staff understand their role, recognise symptoms and respond appropriately in line with safeguarding and duty of care responsibilities.

Can this training be tailored to our setting?

Yes. The course can be adapted to reflect your environment, policies and procedures. This may include aligning with your medication protocols, incorporating your care plans or focusing on the specific needs of the individuals you support, making the training more relevant and practical.

Related Courses

Our Commitment to Quality and Compliance

At Prima Cura Training, all courses reflect current UK guidance and best practice.

All trainers are experienced professionals with relevant qualifications and ongoing CPD. Because many of the organisations we support work with vulnerable individuals, all trainers hold Enhanced DBS checks.

Training is regularly reviewed to reflect updates from the NHS and UK care standards.

You can read more on our Quality Assurance and Compliance page.

Book or Enquire

To book Asthma Awareness & Management training, or to discuss a tailored option for your organisation, please get in touch with Prima Cura Training. We’re happy to advise on delivery options, group sizes, and sector-specific requirements.

Reviewed by Stephanie Austin– Owner & Lead Trainer, Prima Cura Training
25+ years in health and social care | 15+ years as a trainer
Last reviewed: April 2026 | Next review: April 2027

This course provides guidance on asthma awareness and management. It does not replace clinical advice, individual care plans or medical guidance. Organisations remain responsible for ensuring appropriate procedures are followed.

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