SIDS as incident for emergency physicians [Pl?tzlicher Kindstod im Notarzteinsatz 1]

摘要

The Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is an unfrequent pediatric emergency for emergency physician. Although intensive research its etiology remains still unknown. This paper commences with a short overview of the state of knowledge: particularly face-down position at sleep, exposition to cigarette smoke and diseases of the pulmonal system were identified to cause SIDS. Thereupon we take up different issues for an emergency physician who faces a SIDS: rescue actions to be initially taken are cardiac massage, intubation and administration of adrenaline. In Germany the emergency physician basically has to notify the police and declare the manner of the death to be unidentified after the child's death. Legislation can vary in the different German federal states. Also the psychological aspects must not be disregarded: especially the support of the parents during and after the doctor's intervention has to be assured.