A donation received by the Asthma Foundation of Tasmania (AFT) during the recent bushfires was so
generous it will now be shared with other Tasmanians with asthma, including children embarking on a
new school year.

As part of the bushfire recovery efforts, AFT received numerous donations of asthma supplies from
sister foundations and medical supplies companies across Australia to assist those in affected areas.

AFT CEO Cathy Beswick said the overwhelming generosity had left the Foundation with an excess of
around 300 spacers, which were now being offered with each free consultation booked before Easter.
“We are urging anyone with asthma to come to us for a free consultation as soon as possible, to get
their asthma under control and to take advantage of this limited offer,” Ms Beswick said.

“A spacer is a clear plastic container shaped like a football or a tube, with a mouthpiece at one end
and a hole at the other for an inhaler.

“When a spacer is used nearly all the medication gets into the lungs and although they have been
available for several years, many people still don’t know how to use them or even realise they increase
the effectiveness of their puffers.

“Realistically, if you are using a puffer to take your asthma medication you should always be using a
spacer, regardless of whether you are taking your daily preventer medication.

“Even if you have the best technique in the world you will not get the full benefit of your medication
unless you use a spacer, let alone when you’re having an asthma attack and breathing shallowly.

“The Asthma Foundation would particularly urge parents who have children with asthma to take
advantage of this offer due to guideline changes introduced last year by the National Health and
Medical Research Council of Australia.

“New guidelines state that a spacer can only be used by one patient and although schools have
spacers for emergency situations, it is important for children with asthma to have their own spacer to
take to school with them.”

Asthma is responsible for thousands of emergency presentations every year in Tasmania and is the
main reason why Tasmanian children present at emergency departments or are hospitalised.

Despite the fact there are around 62,000 Tasmanians living with asthma, the Foundation only speaks
to around 2,000 asthmatics each year.

The Asthma Foundation provides free help and advice to Tasmanians living with asthma. To start
feeling better, call the Foundation on 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462) or visit: www.asthmatas.org.au.
Cathy Beswick CEO – The Asthma Foundation of Tasmania