In a recent survey sponsored by the MISS Foundation, bereaved families in Arizona rated firefighters and first responders higher than any other medical professional for their level of empathy and compassion during crisis situations. This information is not only encouraging, but also reinforces the need for ongoing education on grief intervention and support of programs such as the CISD team.

According to the Child Fatality Review Program, the 1998 report clearly indicates that hundreds of child deaths are preventable. Yet, many child deaths remains a medical enigma. It cannot be prevented, nor predicted. Families often feel an overwhelming and debilitating sense of guilt after their child has died suddenly. Unfortunately, little can be done to assuage these emotions. We can however, educate the professionals involved regarding unexplained infant death, risk reduction techniques and high-risk children.

Some of the high risk factors for unexplained infant death include:

• Infants born preterm or low birth weight
• Infants exposed to cigarette smoke before and after birth, including second hand smoke
• Infants who sleep on their stomach or side
• Male infants
• Infants between the ages of 2-6 months
• Bottle-fed infants
• Infants whose mothers received little or no prenatal care
• Multiple birth infants

Yet, despite the obvious high-risk categories, seemingly healthy infants still succumb to the grip of stillbirth or infant death. Most stillborn babies (about 60%) are undiagnosed, or S.A.D.S. Syndrome. Similarly, we know that SIDS is a diagnosis of exclusion. The medical examiner must rule out every other possible causal factor in order to diagnose S.A.D.S or SIDS. It is not likely that there is not just one isolated cause, but rather, it is likely to be a combination of occurrences at a critical period of development which causes the death. This is similar to a person who dies of heart disease. It is likely that individual developed this disease from a number of variables including hereditary factors, environment and diet, resulting in death by heart disease. It is imperative to remember when dealing with the sudden and unexpected death of an infant, that the final diagnosis can only be determined after a complete autopsy.

The death of a child, whether an infant, a young child or an adult child, regardless of the cause, is always devastating. When responding to an emergency situation involving the death of a child, the scene is likely to be emotionally charged. Parents are often confused and disoriented. Some may express anger and blame; though it may be misplaced. Often times, just listening to a parent express these emotions is helpful. Offering a kind word and gentle helping hand is comforting for parents. Knowing how to handle the circumstances in a compassionate, yet professional manner remains of paramount importance to families.

No words can express the impact a first responder can have in a crisis situation. On behalf of the MISS Foundation, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the firefighters of our nation for the apparent kindness, support and goodwill they have extended to grieving families. Keep up the awesome work!

If you know a family in need of emotional support, please contact one of the following organizations:

MISS- 623-979-1000
For support to sudden unexpected death or other infant death

The Compassionate Friends- 602-752-1832
For support after the death of a child at any age, from any circumstance

New Song Center- 602-951-8985
For support to young children and teens

EMPACT- 480-784-1500
For suicide prevention and support

AGAST- 602-340-8373
For support to grieving Grandparents