Asthma attacks can be frightening, not just for the patient but also those around him/her. When you have an emergency asthma attack or someone near you gets an attack, do no panic. It is also good to reassure the patient so that they too do not panic. Panicking only worsens the situation. The first thing to use is the inhaler. Help by holding the inhaler for him/her as s/he breathes into it. If they do not have their inhaler with them, borrow one from those who may be having one. Help the sick person to sit upright so that they can breathe more easily. Do not allow the patient to lie flat as this makes it difficult for the patient to breath. Next, loosen the clothing around the neck so that movement of air along the throat is not constricted. You can call the doctor if the situation does not improve.