Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable condition that remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The impact on patients, families and healthcare systems is huge, yet many exacerbations, hospitalisations and disease progression can be prevented if the fundamentals of care are delivered consistently, including early and accurate diagnosis. Inhaled triple therapy (inhaled corticosteroids/long-acting β2 agonists/long-acting muscarinic antagonists; ICS/LABA/LAMA) has a clear place in the management of some patients, particularly those with eosinophilia and frequent or severe exacerbations. But inhaler escalation is not the only answer, and inhaler technique, adherence and device choice reviews are equally important. The most important triple therapy, one that every COPD patient can and should benefit from, is treating tobacco dependence, referral to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) (where appropriate) and ensuring vaccinations are up to date. Alongside this, NICE1 and GOLD2 also highlight the importance of self-management and comorbidity care. These interventions reduce exacerbations, improve quality of life and ultimately save lives.