Simulation Case: Croup

Abstract

Abstract This simulation case provides a reference guide for the instruction of the acute and emergent management of pediatric respiratory distress caused by croup. This guide is intended for clinicians teaching emergency medicine and acute care to medical students and residents of all specialties involved in the management of pediatric patients. This guide includes a simulation script, visual props, and tips on how to effectively use a high-fidelity mannequin to assist the teacher to effectively administer the simulation. This guide also includes a novel evaluation tool, the STAT tool, that outlines specific learner goals and provides the teacher with an effective tool to administer real-time evaluation and immediate feedback to the learner. This scenario was presented and instructed during a simulation scenario as part of the Emergency Medicine didactic curriculum. Learners included first− to third-year Emergency Medicine residents, residents from other services rotating in Emergency Medicine at that time to include internal medicine residents, and medical students. This case was sufficiently difficult that most second-year residents scored most of the critical actions, but still had performance deficits that allowed for a productive debriefing. Deficits were primarily centered around differentiating lower vs. upper airway etiologies and administering the appropriate medication.

Keywords

• Newborn
• Intubation
• Respiratory Distress
• Respiratory Insufficiency
• Respiratory Failure
• Croup