Dynamo Training Solutions Simple Guide to: Croup

What is croup?

Croup is a condition that affects infants and children, where there is an inflammation of the

windpipe and the voice box. Croup is alarming because it often occurs during the night but can pass

quickly if the child is encouraged to sit up and relax.

Who does croup affect?

Croup usually affects infants and children aged six months to three years of age. Most cases occur in

one-year-olds. It may, in some cases, develop in infants from the age of six months and older

children up to the age of fifteen years of age.

Is croup a condition that a child has for life?

Croup is a childhood condition. An episode of croup may last hours or days.

If a child does develop croup, it may flare up every now and again, but it will stop completely

as the child gets older.

What are the signs and symptoms of croup?

•  Distressed breathing

•  Rasping noise when breathing in

•  A croaky voice

•  A short, barking cough

•  A blue-grey skin (due to lack of oxygen)

What first aid action should be taken?

1) Sit the child on your knee. You should support their back, and calmly reassure them.

2) If the croup is severe or the child’s breathing is distressed and not improving, or the child has

a high temperature you must summon medical help on 999 or 112. Keep monitoring the

child’s breathing and response levels until medical assistance arrives.

Dynamo Training Solutions provide comprehensive training on all first-aid-related topics. We deliver

first-aid training courses throughout London, Kent, and the Southeast. Dynamo Training Solutions Simple Guide to: Croup is one of the Simple Guides series from Dynamo Training Solutions.

Dynamo Training Solutions Simple Guide to: Croup