FAQs

Questions for people running an event

When will World Spirometry Day take place?

World Spirometry Day is due to take place on 27 June 2012. However, event organisers are encouraged to capitalise on the publicity surrounding the Olympic Games, and run events in the run up to the Games in July and beyond.

Who organises World Spirometry Day?

World Spirometry Day is organised by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) in conjunction with the European Lung Foundation (ELF). FIRS is a collaboration of the world’s leading organisations for respiratory professionals. The ELF was founded by the European Respiratory Society (a member of FIRS) to bring together patients, the public and respiratory professionals.

How do I organise an event for World Spirometry Day?

All the materials you need to organise an event for World Spirometry Day are available on this website. Visit the ‘Run an event’ section for a full guide and toolkit to help you plan an event. Please note, the people carrying out spirometry tests must be full trained.

Am I allowed to use material for World Spirometry Day found on the website?

All the logos, flyers and promotional material found on this website are free to use for all World Spirometry Day events.

I’m not trained in conducting spirometry tests. Can I still hold an event?

Yes, but you must ensure the people carrying out the spirometry tests are fully trained.

What is the cost to run a World Spirometry Day event?

Holding a spirometry event need not have high costs. For an event in a GP surgery or hospital you will only need basic signage, flyers and posters. You may also wish to mail local GPs and or contact the local media to raise awareness of your event. A larger event to reach greater numbers and attract media interest will require more resources and support. A local PR agency can be used to organise cooperation with local TV and radio as well as running a small press conference if there is enough interest from local journalists. Previous ERS/ELF spirometry events have worked on a 40:60 (PR: Logistics) budget split.

I am a representative from a patient organisation in my country. How can I help out at an event?

Visit the ‘Find an event’ page to see which events are happening in your area. You can then either contact the event organisers directly, or we can put you in touch with the correct person.

Questions for people attending an event

When will World Spirometry Day take place?

World Spirometry Day is due to take place on 27 June 2012. However, event organisers are encouraged to capitalise on the publicity surrounding the Olympic Games, and run events in the run up to the Games in July and beyond.

Who organises World Spirometry Day?

World Spirometry Day is organised by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) in conjunction with the European Lung Foundation (ELF). FIRS is a collaboration of the world’s leading organisations for respiratory professionals. The ELF was founded by the European Respiratory Society (a member of FIRS) to bring together patients, the public and respiratory professionals.

I’ve not taken a spirometry test before. Will I be shown how to do this?

If you’ve not taken a test before, World Spirometry Day is a great opportunity to test your lungs for the first time. The test is very straight forward and you will be talked through each stage with the healthcare professional who conducts the test. For an overview of what a spirometry test will involve, visit the ‘Spirometry’ section on our website.

What events are taking place for World Spirometry Day in my area?

You can check out the events map to find out about events in your area. Simply type in your postcode and you will be shown the events taking place closest to you.

What will happen if the test shows that I have poor lung health?

If you receive any abnormal results from your test, you will be given a referral letter to take to your doctor so they can investigate this further. There will also be trained GPs on site at the lung testing event if you have any questions during or after the event.

I am a smoker and I’m worried about taking a test but would like to find out how healthy my lungs are. Should I still take a test?

As a smoker, it is even more important to take a spirometry test to check how healthy your lungs are and if they are being damaged by a regular intake of tobacco. Quitting smoking is the best way to reduce your risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other lung diseases. For more information on how to kick the habit, visit the smoking cessation section of the ELF website.

Questions for supporters and sponsors

How can I become a supporter/sponsor of World Spirometry Day?

The Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) and the European Lung Foundation (ELF) invite you to join us in this positive and impactful global campaign to raise awareness in all age groups about the importance and potential of good lung health and lung testing. Visit the ‘Sponsors’ page to find out more about becoming an official sponsor.

You can also support the campaign by holding lung testing events, spirometry training events or sports events to raise awareness of lung health. Tell us what you are doing for World Spirometry Day, and we can add you to our ‘Supporters’ page.

Questions for respiratory professionals looking for spirometry training

Where can I go to receive spirometry training in my country?

A new European Respiratory Society initiative to be launched later this year (September 2012) will help provide uniform training for spirometry across Europe. The European Spirometry Driving Licence will standardise educational documents and training in the practice of spirometry to strengthen patient care and improve quality of life for people with lung diseases.

Visit the ERS website for more information on the European Spirometry Driving Licence.

TOTAL NUMBER OF TESTS:

67, 262

Add your WSD results here

WSD is an initiative organised by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) in collaboration with the European Lung Foundation (ELF).