Warning: Thunderstorm asthma could be back in Victoria this spring

THE DEADLY thunderstorm asthma could strike again in Melbourne this spring and St John’s Ambulance is making sure sufferers are prepared for the quick onset of an attack. Here’s how to prepare.

VICTORIANS could be hit with thunderstorm asthma again, a leading first aid provider warns.

St John Ambulance Australia says hayfever and asthma sufferers need to be alert to high pollen counts blooming in spring.

The warning comes after nine people died in last November’s thunderstorm asthma event, where 8500 people were hospitalised.

The storm is a rare blend of a high pollen count, northerly winds and humid conditions.

Ambulance Paramedic Cat Cristofaro responded to a string of thunderstorm asthma incidents during a non-stop 15.5 hour shift on Monday. It included a 12yo girl who was on the verge of a cardiac arrest, whose family were shouting "she's dead" when paramedics arrive. Cat at Hillside AV station , Picture Yuri Kouzmin

St John Ambulance Victoria chief executive Gordon Botwright said attacks could strike quickly.

“Thunderstorm asthma is a particular threat for those who already suffer from hayfever or asthma, but during the 2016 storms, 40 per cent of people who were struck by thunderstorm asthma were not diagnosed asthmatics,” Mr Botwright said.

“It’s important to recognise when simple hayfever symptoms turn in to an asthma emergency.”

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St John’s sales, marketing and community general manager John Kazanas said Melbourne was a hotspot for thunderstorm asthma due to the high rainfall and winds stirring up pollen

Mr Kazanas said symptoms included wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.

He said it was important people educated themselves on first aid management, and made an action plan with the season running until December.

People experiencing symptoms are advised to take four puffs of an inhaler, wait four minutes, take another four breaths, and if necessary, have another four puffs before dialling 000.