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