DofE expedition with asthma

[BlueHut]

Hi. My 13 year old daughter is meant to go on her DofE expedition (2 nights) in mid April, peak hayfever season. I’m feeling increasingly stressed about it - what if her asthma flares up while she’s potentially lost in the woods with her group? Would really appreciate any tips and other’s experiences! What should I ask of the supervisors to help keep her safe? She’s on Seretide, Montelukast and standard antihistamines. Thank you!

[Claire_ALUK Partner ALUK Asthma Nurse]

Hi BlueHut,

There is a bit to consider here - I agree. Probably easier to give us a ring on the helpline and have a chat 0300 2225800. Firstly she would need a really clear asthma plan - so book an asthma review asap and discuss all your concerns. Then you can go through this with the school staff, making sure that there are no grey areas, ask about staff training and supervisors. Think about triggers - will there be a camp fire?

asthma.org.uk/advice/trigge...

asthma.org.uk/e5335884/glob...

[BlueHut in reply to Claire_ALUK]

Thank you. I already spoke to one of your lovely asthma nurses. The form to fill in is very useful. Just wanted to see if I can get additional tips - everything helps.

[Homely2 Administrator]

I have allergic asthma and do a lot of walking and camping. My triggers are dust, pollen, Gerd and lots of others. They have put me in hospital three times in the last year.

Generally my asthma is better when I am out walking than in my house or garden.

An asthma attack is also much less likely to get nasty if my underling asthma condition is good.

So for myself I would be generally OK doing it, if my underlying condition was good, but if it was iffy I would avoid doing it.

For a 13 year old child I was responsible for. If possible I would like to take them for a walk in the area that the d of e expedition was taking place, a couple of weeks beforehand. You do not need to make a fuss over it, you can call it navigation training. This should highlight issues re asthma and hopefully reassure you.

You then need to ask the supervisers how they monitor the children and take them through the medicines. Will your child be allowed to take their mobile. Is their good reception. Then decide if that reassures you. The supervisers should be used to children with asthma.

Is your child good at handling asthma attacks, are they in a group that you trust. Will they tell the superviser if their asthma is worsening.

My children's d of e put monitors on the children, and then sit back and watch them get lost in the woodland, that immediately reassured me. They said it could be extremely funny.

So to me, you have to risk assess it using the above factors and anything else you come up with, do it with the supervisors and then decide.

[Bevvy]

Will your daughter have access to her mobile? I think on health and safety grounds that wouldn’t be unreasonable. If has access then I suggest you download “what 3 words” on to mobile. This can be invaluable for location finding.

[BlueHut in reply to Bevvy]

thank you, yes I will insist she must have her phone (and perhaps another girl in her group too) and the what three words is a great tip. Does it work anywhere?

[Bevvy in reply to Bevvy]

If you Google the app it gives all the information. Basically it operates throughout the world! Is also a section if no phone signal what to do…..

[Troilus]

Hi BlueHut.

Make sure she has a new blue inhaler with her with a spacer and insist she keeps it with her at all times. Also, get her a spare so if it gets lost she is still ok. It goes without saying that she needs to keep on top of her normal medication.

Ensure she knows (and ALL of the staff know) that she can take up to 10 shots of the blue inhaler. ( Sometimes this isn’t evident from the dosage on the package.)

Make sure ALL staff know when she would need to go to hospital.

Are you aware you can take more than the standard dose of antihistamine? (No, neither was I until my consultant told me.) This might be something for you to discuss with her GP.

And finally, try not to pass on your nervousness. Like as not she will be right as rain. Is that the right rain ?😁😁

[Andymcrr3]

Also get an Asthma Action Plan printed so the supervisors have something official to follow!

[HBaaBaa]

hi, as a D of E supervisor with asthma myself I would like to reassure you. Asthma is taken really seriously, as is first aid in general on expeditions. Make sure that the supervisors are fully briefed on your daughter’s asthma plan and they can make sure she has a buddy in her group who can also look out for her. At 13 she will be doing bronze and will be very closely supervised, even if the children don’t realise it themselves! There will always be a supervisor very nearby monitoring what is going on. It will be a great experience for your daughter - it fosters teamwork and independence as well as being fit and healthy in the outdoors. Make sure she doesn’t pack too much in her pack - bronze participants always seem to want to take everything with them and forget they have to carry it along with a tent, sleeping bag etc. help her to plan light food to take too (no cans!). They will be cooking on stoves of some sort, not fire. Hope that helps a little.

[BlueHut in reply to HBaaBaa]

Thank you so much!

[Itswonderful]

Hi Bluehat. have you spoken to the school and the DoE leaders about your concerns? Have you spoken to the asthma nurse /GP/ hospital consultant about what she will be doing? There are also the asthma nurses here to have a conversation with.

[BlueHut]

Thank you so much everyone for the good advice, all very gratefully received. Yes I’m speaking to the trip supervisor again next week and wanted to make sure I’ve collected as many ideas and tips as possible before then. Please keep them coming.

[Birthday60]

my husband is a DofE assessor / he says make sure she had her inhaler with her and there is no reason she should get lost if she pays attention to the map reading session !!