As first aid trainer for the Police I have always stressed the importance of taking asthma attacks very, very seriously.
In the past our custody blocks have had ventolin inhalers stored safely for any prisoner to use if they asked for it
We have many many many asthmatic coming through.
We now have a new contract with a medical care provider called ""Primecare"" they have insisted we dispose of all ventolin inhalers and if a prisoners asks for an inhaler we have to call them out to administer (they can take two hours to arrive).
One of their staff has told us that if a prisoner has an asthma attack its too late for the inhaler!
As an asthmatic myself I am appalled by this attitude and when under stress I would desperately want my inhaler with me. failing that I would happily use any ventolin inhaler!!!! (as long as it was clean!)
I am sure all prisoners in custody feel the same
We are all worried that this change may cause massive problems
I understand that the inhaler is prescription only But! for someone not to have access to this if they request it?????
What are your thoughts?