Hello, Thought I would comment to say thanks for this post. Am a non-medical person (just so all know), and a long time asthmatic. Having moved to the 'Big Smoke' a year ago my asthma has gone from non exsistant to full force and has scared the bejesus out of myself and the other half on occasion. I have started to get it everytime am travelling back home on the busy DLR and trains, and have started wondering is it enough that I should wave my inhaler at someone and point out my ICE number should it become serious. Considering I also have a pretty nasty peanut allergy as well, using this paper method sounds like a pretty damn good idea. Even now thinking about it I have been in the situation approx 6 years ago, on a shopping trip in the city. My friend's had rung my mother, who directed them to the nearest A&E. They carried me into the emergency room, in which I was plonked in front of a nurse for assessment. The nurse upon seeing my arm in a cast, made an assumption and said "excuse me love I'll be back in a minute. At this time I was experiencing rather painful excruciating chest pains, and strong efforts in the respiratory department, thereofre rendering me slightly unable to correct her/shout after her. Eventually she did return, and asked me what the problem was. The repsonse was an explosion of tears and a rasped "I....*gaaaaassssp*......can't.... *cough* *gaaassssssspp* breeaaaaaaatthheee!!!! *gasp* *splutter* *cough*. Would have been alot easier if I has produced a bit of paper methinks. So, Mr Reynolds, and the asthmatic lady - thank you for the tip. I shall start typing right now.