I can only speak for myself and not other EMS providers, protocols or EMS systems, so take what I say with a grain of salt.

Many times when encountering a patient experiencing an asthma attack, my first line of defense is a psychological vs. pharmacological intervention. Having the patient calm themselves through slow controlled breathing can and has at least for me, been enough to “break” the cycle of respiratory distress.

My oldest daughter, when she was younger, suffered exercised induced asthma attacks, being a competitive swimmer, more then once she suffered an attack and was in severe respiratory distress. Many times, not always, I was able to get her to “break” the attack through a claming, reassuring voice and talked her through the attack with slow controlled breathing exercises.

Although, I am not suggesting you do this, but Primatene mist is still available over the counter. For many years, it was the one medication used by asthma sufferers as their first line of defense. Just something to consider.

Pete