Volume 14, Issue 2: Sudden infant death syndrome – difficult decisions and difficult conversations

Sudden infant death syndrome – difficult decisions and difficult conversations

You have just attended a case of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and are now sitting outside the ED, a duty officer asks if you are ok and you reply “I think we did all that we could”. You start to think back over the events in this difficult incident…

CPD benefit

The condition of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden, unexpected and unexplained death of an apparently healthy baby under 12 months of age. This article examines possibles causes and prevention of SIDS and gives guidance on resuscitation decision making and breaking the bad news to family members. It goes on to discuss the procedure after the death including police attendance, dealing with grief and the review process. This will help you to give the best possible support to the family and also ensure that you consider your own welfare and available support.