1Arrival
Check for dangers, ensure scene safety. PPE donned
2After safety
Introduce yourself - name and role
3After introduction
Paediatric Assessment Triangle - assess tone, lookaze, consolability, speech, interactiveness
4After first look
Identify barking cough, increased WOB, time critical.
5After PAT observations
Gain consent to assess and treat from child and mother
6After consent
Ask patient's name
7After patient identification
Position patient upright for easier breathing
8After positioning
Airways - state observations - a) stridor, b) lethargy, c) drooling
9After airway observations
Send for ICP - in case of additional airway management such as potential tubing
10After escalation
Assess breathing - RATES (AND rhythm) - expose chest
11After RATES + rhythm
Physical breathing observations - positioning, retraction (intercostal muscles), head bobbing, gasping, grunting, nasal flaring
12After visual breathing observations
IF Saturations under 94% - Oxygen - 15L high-flow non-rebreather
13After oxygen
Consider dexamethasone - check CPM first. Check for general allergies (say "no contraindication"), then confirm croup as a positive indication.
14After dexamethasone indicated
Mention bodyweight calculation (age + 4 x 2). Then mention dose, 600microg/kg PO. Ampoules come in 8mg (8000microg) in a 2ml vial. Confirm with partner - TREEDEAR - time, reason, education, expiry, documentation, evaluation, assessment, refusal. Administer orally
15After dexamethasone administration
Adrenaline - check CPM first. Confirm severe asthma as a positive indication.
16After adrenaline indication
After checking CPM, mention dose of adrenaline, 5mg nebulised. Repeat once if required. Confirm with partner - TREEDEAR - time, reason, education, expiry, documentation, evaluation, assessment, refusal. Administer in neb
17After adrenaline administration
Reassess breathing - RATES, physical breathing observations - positioning, retraction (intercostal muscles), head bobbing, gasping, grunting, nasal flaring
18After breathing re-assessment
Assess physical circulation signs - pallor, mottling, waxy appearance, cyanosis, obvious bleeding
19After physical circulation signs
Circulation observations - palpate pulses, cap refill, HR, B/P, 4-lead
20After circulation obs
Skip IV access, assess disability - GCS, Temp, BGL, Pupils
21After disability
Exposure - remove clothes, control for temperature
22When should dexamethasone be withheld?
23List two conditions that you should exclude when treating croup.