What is the....
Unexplained Infant Death Council?
In 1992, the Sudden Infant Death Council was established to promote the reduction of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and promote comprehensive investigation of all sudden infant deaths. In 2002, A.R.S. 36-2291 renamed this council the Unexplained Infant Death Council. A.R.S. 36-2291 expanded the scope of the Council to include all unexplained infant deaths and specified that the Council could also consider issues relating to stillborn infants.
The Unexplained Infant Death Council assists the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) in developing unexplained infant death training and educational programs, informing the governor and the legislature of the need for specific programs regarding unexplained infant deaths, and approving and periodically reviewing the infant death investigation checklist. The Council develops protocols for investigations of infant deaths and addresses the need for compassion and sensitivity with parents and caregivers.
Why is this
council needed?
Unexplained infant deaths are those deaths for which there is no obvious cause. Unexplained infant deaths require a thorough investigation to accurately determine the cause and manner of the death. This process includes a death scene investigation, interviews with parents and caregivers, a review of the infant’s clinical history, and an autopsy. Although the ultimate goal of a death scene investigation is to accurately assign a cause of death, equally important goals are the identification of health threats posed by consumer products, identification of risk factors associated with unexplained infant deaths, and using the opportunity to refer families to grief counseling and support groups.
What are the
goals of the council?
The goals of the Unexplained Infant Death Council are the reduction of infant deaths and effective, comprehensive, compassionate investigations of all unexpected infant deaths in Arizona.
What has this
program achieved?
The Unexplained Infant Death Council created protocol for first responders. The protocols include a checklist for law enforcement to use during the course of an investigation. The checklist standardizes investigations throughout the state, and ensures that medical examiners are provided sufficient information to assist in determining the cause and manner of the death. The ADHS has distributed the Infant Death Checklist and Unexplained Infant Death Investigation Protocol to law enforcement agencies statewide.
Need more
information?
Jamie Smith, Program Manager
150 North 18th Avenue, Suite 320
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: (602) 364-1463
Fax: (602) 364-1496
Email: smithja@azdhs.gov
Website Links:
Related
Publications and References:
Arizona Infant Death Investigation Checklist
Upon completion of the checklist, send a copy to the County Medical Examiner’s Office,, and send a copy to the Arizona Department of Health Services at the address listed below. Please call (602) 542-1875 if any additional information is needed.
Arizona Department of Health Services
Bureau of Women’s and Children’s Health
Unexplained Infant Death Council
150 N. 18th Avenue, Suite 320
Phoenix, AZ 85007
FAX: (602) 542-1843
Introduction and Recommendation for the Use of the Infant Death Checklist
SIDS Autopsy Protocols
Continuing Education Program on SIDS Risk
Reduction
Arizona Revised Statutes:
36-2291.
Sudden infant death
advisory council
36-2292.
Protocols
36-2293.
Infant death
investigation
checklist
Publications
listed are "PDF" files and require Acrobat
Reader™ for viewing. |
