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Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) (cont.)

Management of SIDS

Self-Care at Home

There is no home care for SIDS. Call 911 for emergency medical services. However, if any of the parents or caregivers have been instructed in infant CPR, they should perform CPR prior to paramedic arrival.

Medical Responses

The initial response is directed by the emergency personnel at the scene according to pediatric advanced life support protocols. Resuscitation measures may be implemented unless signs of death are obvious. Initial responses may include the following:

  • Assessment of the infant's airway, breathing, pulse, and blood sugar level

  • Placement of a tube into the trachea to maximize oxygen delivery

  • Emergency responders may establish IV access; medications to restore heartbeat may be given according to advanced life support protocols


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Sudden Infant Death Syndrome »

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is defined as the sudden death of an infant younger than 1 year that remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation, including the performance of a complete autopsy, examination of the scene of death, and review of the clinical history.

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