Experiences with SIDS

[LucidResq]

I'm writing a paper on SIDS for my CNA class. The paper is focused on the psychosocial and emotional elements more than the pathological or preventative side, and my instructor highly values the use of life experiences and stories, interviews, etc in essays.

Having never encountered it myself, I'd greatly appreciate some input from those of us who have. I know it's not an easy thing for most to recount, but it may be nice to process the experience in to something thoughtful and productive.

I'd like to know how dealing with a family that has just lost a child to SIDS affected you, how they acted, what seemed to comfort them, what seemed to aggravate or upset them, what you thought you and your colleagues did well as responders, and what you think could be improved on. Anything you want to express, really.

You can post here if you'd like open discussion, but private messages would be great if you'd rather not. Thank you.

 

[eveningsky339]

Never had to deal with SIDS, thank goodness. My wife had one miscarriage and I'm still not over it. :sad:

 

[mycrofft]

Just to keep the post on top, but off topic

A dependent young wife on base was smothering the babies she was taking care of, then calling 711 (onbase emergency) and starting resuscitation on them...the nastiest type of Munchausen, and if it had failed the parent would be left thinking it was SIDS. Thank heavens the shift chief recognized the syndrome and told the sky cops, who interrogated her. No fatalities.

 

[LucidResq]

I can share some of the information I've dug up during research.

Here is an article on SIDS for EMTs.


My paper focuses on providing emotional support to distressed families and parents.

Some of the big DOs:
- Do give credit to family for their efforts to help the child, such as initiating CPR or calling 911 immediately.
- Do allow them to express grief openly. They may be angry, expressionless, hysterical, etc. Assure them that their emotions and reactions are normal.
- Although we are obviously limited as EMTs and either resuscitation efforts (if applicable) or potential crime scene preservation may prevent this, hospitals are generally encouraged to, when appropriate, allow parents to see and hold their child. Having keepsakes such as a lock of hair, footprints/handprints, casts of feet, etc are also sometimes helpful to coping parents.
- Be alert for suicidal ideation.

DON'Ts
- Do not try to comfort parents by rationalizing that they still have other children or can have another child in the future.
- Don't try to hide your own emotions. Obviously, being calm and professional are of the utmost importance, but parents often also appreciate seeing that we are also emotionally responsive human beings.
- Don't forget Dad and other children in the household.
- Don't avoid mentioning the child's name.


McClain M. 2007. Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome: A guide for Emergency Department personnel. Boston, MA: Massachusetts Center for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: Boston Medical Center.

Lipton H, Coleman M. 1999. Bereavement practice guidelines for health care professionals in the Emergency Department. Washington, DC: National Association of Social Workers.