Download S –Sudden I – Infant D – Death S

SIDS
S – Sudden
I – Infant
D – Death
S – Syndrome
SIDS
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SIDS:
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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
Facts
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SIDS and death of children are among the
most difficult patient encounters that
health care professionals have
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SIDS is the 3rd leading cause of infant
mortality in the United States
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SIDS causes nearly 3,000 deaths per year
in the United States
Facts
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90% of SIDS deaths occur in infants less
than 6 months old
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More often in males
More frequently in winter months
Usually after being put to bed after being fed
Recent history of a cold
Scene Size Up
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DOCUMENT ALL DETAILS CAREFULLY
AND ACURATELY:
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Clothing, position of child, crib or bed,
bedding, objects in bed, any unusual odors,
room temperature, medications (OTC or
other)
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DOCUMENTATION OF EVERY DETAIL
IS VERY IMPORTANT; ALL DEATHS
ARE CONSIDERED CRIME SCENES
UNTIL PROVEN OTHERWISE
Event History
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Retrieval of a good history:
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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
Patient Assessment
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External Appearance with SIDS:
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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
Risk Factors
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Risk factors that can increase the chance
of SIDS:
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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
Scene
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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
Scene
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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
After The Call
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Stress is an unavoidable part of the job;
this could be the most stressful or
emotional run you will ever take part in
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CISD should be considered after a SIDS
call
Signs of Stress
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Some signs of stress:
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Anger/Irritability
Changes in eating habits
Changes in sleeping habits/nightmares
Depression/Inability to concentrate
Mood changes
Physical illness
Withdrawl
Reduce Stress
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Ways to Reduce Stress:
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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