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Wellness


How a throw-away paper cup can save the life of a child with asthma at school


A


disposable “coffee cup” is the inspiration behind an ingenious and scientifically reviewed device for the safe and prompt treatment of


schoolchildren suffering acute asthma, which often presents as an emergency situation. The new, single use DispozABLE™ Spacer has been developed by the


technical team at UK-based medical device manufacturers, Clement Clarke International and has already received widespread recognition at major conferences. Independent studies have shown that the innovative, valve-less


DispozABLE™ Spacer is suitable for the effective delivery of salbutamol sulphate (Ventolin) when used with a pMDI (pressurized metered dose inhaler) as opposed to a pMDI alone. And, at low flows (common in infants and children) this type of valve-less spacer may actually perform better than other VHCs (valved holding chambers) Traditionally, VHC’s require a certain “breathing effort” in order to operate


the built-in valve and this might be difficult for a young child or a child who is distressed. Plastic VHCs should be carefully preconditioned before first use to avoid the static charge on the chamber reducing the delivered dose. These technical factors – along with cost, lack of training or official asthma policy – may have deterred some schools from keeping the emergency equipment on- site and therefore potentially placing children at risk. Mark Sanders, Managing Director of Clement Clarke International


comments; ““The launch of this new, ‘single use / single patient’ spacer is extremely timely with the recent shift in understanding about the importance of emergency asthma management in the school setting. The safety of children with asthma is absolutely paramount and we are passionate about bringing novel designs to market to ensure that all young people are treated swiftly “DispozABLE™ can be used straight from the pack and has been designed


to meet a specific market need for a low cost, fast response spacer for delivering medication efficiently. “Life-saving asthma medications have been available since the 1970s but


unless they are delivered effectively to a patient, we will continue to see instances of people dying from an asthma emergency – often when they are alone but also in public places such as schools. This is simply not acceptable.” With around a million children in the UK being treated for asthma, in


March 2015 the Government launched new guidelines, legislating that spare, emergency inhalers and spacers may be kept on site - providing care for children and reassurance for parents. Angela Jones, Practice Nurse and Asthma Nurse Specialist adds; “From my experience there are huge discrepancies in the levels of asthma care within


Asthma Facts F Million in


asthma U onK


treatment


of these Million


are children INHALER SPACER PACER Studies show


more effective inhalers are


when used with a spacer


are preventable related deaths Of asthma


2/3


with better routine care


a life threatening someone suffers Ev ery 10 seconds


attack


schools. Some have excellent policies in place, are well organised with confident, trained staff – whether that’s a designated teacher or member of the office team. “However, when I worked as school nurse, all too often I would come


across teachers and support staff who simply did not have the confidence or basic knowledge to manage an asthma emergency. They were worried about hygiene and safety issues as well as assembling the equipment incorrectly and ultimately doing more harm than good. “The effects of such a ‘hands off’ response can be catastrophic although I


do believe the recent introduction of new legislation will start to break down these barriers and reinforce the importance of ensuring children with asthma are safe when at school. As such, I fully support the introduction of any device – the simpler the better – that encourages school staff to be more ‘hands on’. A pack of 10 DispozABLE™ Spacers is available for schools to order from


the Clement Clarke International website at a special price of £9.00 uwww.clementclarke.com/EShop.aspx


Common signs of an asthma attack • Coughing


• Shortness of breath • Wheezing


• Tightness in the chest • Being unusually quiet


• Difficulty speaking a full sentence • Lips turn blue


As soon as child starts showing sign of an asthma attack…


• Take them immediately to the school office or medical room


• Reassure them constantly and keep them calm • Do not leave them alone


are the cause of ks


Asthma attac


fatalities a day


3 40 www.education-today.co.uk September 2015


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