1. SIDS S – Sudden I – Infant D – Death S – Syndrome

2. SIDS • SIDS: • The unexpected and unexplained death of an apparently healthy infant • SIDS is the number one cause of death in infants between the ages of one month and one year • Even after death investigation/autopsy and history review, the exact cause of SIDS is not fully understood

3. Facts • SIDS and death of children are among the most difficult patient encounters that health care professionals have • SIDS is the 3rd leading cause of infant mortality in the United States • SIDS causes nearly 3,000 deaths per year in the United States

4. Facts • 90% of SIDS deaths occur in infants less than 6 months old • More often in males • More frequently in winter months • Usually after being put to bed after being fed • Recent history of a cold

5. Scene Size Up • DOCUMENT ALL DETAILS CAREFULLY AND ACURATELY: • Clothing, position of child, crib or bed, bedding, objects in bed, any unusual odors, room temperature, medications (OTC or other) • DOCUMENTATION OF EVERY DETAIL IS VERY IMPORTANT; ALL DEATHS ARE CONSIDERED CRIME SCENES UNTIL PROVEN OTHERWISE

6. Event History • Retrieval of a good history: • What happened • Infant location (who found infant) • Interventions (CPR or other) by parents/caregivers • When was the infant last seen alive • Recent illnesses and past medical history • Any meds (OTC or others) the infant has received

7. Patient Assessment • External Appearance with SIDS: • Cold skin • Frothy or blood tinged fluid in mouth and/or nose • Normal hydration and nutrition • Lividity and rigor mortis • Vomitis is occasionally present • ENSURE ALL FINDINGS AND OBSERVATIONS ARE DOCUMENTED

8. Risk Factors • Risk factors that can increase the chance of SIDS: • Formula feeding • Premature – low birth weight • Prone and side sleeping • Large, soft bulky blankets • Large objects in sleeping area • Soft mattress • Tobacco exposure • Young maternal age

9. Scene • A SIDS scene can turn into a MCI because you not only have the baby to deal with but also the parents/family/caretakers/etc • When talking with others, determine the baby’s name, and refer to the baby by its name instead of “baby” or “patient” • Responses from family/caregivers to the situation are not predictable; can range from silence to hysteria

10. Scene • Immediately attempt to gather a family support network • Attempt to meet any of the family’s requests within reason • This is a most difficult run for EMS; expect a range of emotions from the family; don’t expect the family to understand why you did or didn’t do certain things

11. After The Call • Stress is an unavoidable part of the job; this could be the most stressful or emotional run you will ever take part in • CISD should be considered after a SIDS call

12. Signs of Stress • Some signs of stress: • Anger/Irritability • Changes in eating habits • Changes in sleeping habits/nightmares • Depression/Inability to concentrate • Mood changes • Physical illness • Withdrawl

13. Reduce Stress • Ways to Reduce Stress: • Talk with others about feelings • Exercise/balance lifestyle • Get plenty of rest • Eat healthy • Avoid alcohol and drugs • Write in a journal • Take part in a CISD