{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Pediatric EMS Podcast Shorts: Croup","description":"Episode 16 (Short): Prehospital Croup Management  Brought to you by The National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP) and Missouri Emergency Medical Services for Children (MO-EMSC). Hosts: Dr. Joelle Donofrio-Odmann and Dr. Joseph Finney Website: https:\/\/sites.libsyn.com\/414020  Episode Summary In this SHORT episode, we discuss one of the most common pediatric respiratory emergencies, croup, and what EMS providers need to know during peak viral season. Drawing from real-life experience and current field trends, we review how to recognize upper airway obstruction, differentiate it from lower airway conditions, and manage severe cases prehospitally. Listeners learn why children\u2019s smaller airways make them especially vulnerable to swelling, how to tell croup from foreign body aspiration, and when to escalate care. Join us as we walk through the stepwise management of croup, including: Recognizing stridor and assessing severity Using nebulized (racemic) epinephrine and dexamethasone effectively Knowing when IM epinephrine may be lifesaving Avoiding unnecessary albuterol in upper airway disease Calming and positioning strategies to minimize distress We also highlights the Westley Croup Score, a simple clinical tool to grade croup severity based on stridor, retractions, air entry, cyanosis, and level of consciousness \u2014 helping EMS providers communicate clearly with receiving teams and guide treatment intensity. We emphasize timely hospital notification, monitoring for recurrence as nebulized epinephrine wears off, and when to consider admission. For more examples of respiratory distress and croup symptoms in children, visit: \ud83d\udd17 KidsHealth NZ \u2013 Signs That Children Are Struggling to Breathe ","author_name":"The Pediatric EMS Podcast","author_url":"https:\/\/sites.libsyn.com\/414020","html":"