1. If resuscitation is to be attempted, inform the parents and family members of the procedures, and where their child will be taken.
2. Pronouncement of death should be made by a Senior Doctor, Paediatrician or Consultant in an appropriate private place. This must not take place in an ambulance, corridor or similar unsuitable place.

A&E / Hospital Senior Doctor

• Explain/state that this sudden death appears to be a SID (Cot Death) but that only a post-mortem can confirm this or determine the cause of death.
• Explain the need for a post-mortem and as sensitively as possible what it will involve i.e. an operation to try to find out the cause of death. Explain the role of the Coroner and the need for his officer, i.e. a member of the Gardaí, to make a visit. Outline the procedures the Gardaí are required to carry out, such as simply checking the room and cot where the infant was found (or last seen alive).
• Obtain from parents and/or guardian a brief history and details of the events surrounding the death (see Appendix D). This procedure should not be repeated unless certain points need clarification at a later date.
• Reassure parents that discolouration, such as going blue, is due to the pooling of blood and is normal after death.
• Notify the Gardaí via the local Garda station; preferably speak directly to the Gardaí who will be visiting the home.
• Advise the hospital Social Worker (if none employed, notify the Community Social Worker) of the child's death and give details of the names and ages of any siblings. Provide the Social Worker with the names and phone numbers of the relevant Family Doctor and Superintendent Public Health Nurse.

• Contact the Family Doctor who should be encouraged to visit the family as soon as possible. Advise the Family Doctor of the availability to him/her of further help/expertise via the Consultant Paediatrician, Pathologist, Social Worker or Senior Nurse who dealt with the family initially.
• Immediately notify the following of the child's death:
  • The National Sudden Infant Death Register
    • Minicall: 1550 135 135
    • Phone: 01 - 8788455
    • Fax: 01 - 8787696
    • Address: Georges Hall, The Children's Hospital,Temple Street, Dublin 1.
  • The Superintendent Public Health Nurse and Director of Commuinity Care.
  • The Maternity Hospital and Obstetrician attendant at the child's birth.
  These notifications will avoid possible paternal hurt or professional embarrasment resulting from notification of appointments being sent to the family by services that are not aware of the child's death.
• Offer parents an appointment with the Consultant/Senior Doctor/Paediatrician both when preliminary post-mortem results and final post-mortem results are available. If there is any delay in these, advise the parents immediately of the dealy and the reason for it.