SIDS

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 babys
  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 familys requests
  within reason
• This is a most difficult run for EMS expect a
  range of emotions from the family dont expect
  the family to understand why you did or didnt 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