The Pathologist and Hospital Mortician
should ensure that they are fully aware of the facts, as well as the myths,
about SIDS. The ISIDA training video for professionals can assist in this
area. Be aware of the up-to-date information on SIDS and the procedures
currently in practice.
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An autopsy protocol for sudden and unexpected death in infancy
(issued by ISIDA's Scientific Advisory Committee) is available.
For details phone the
'Information Hotline for Professionals'
at
087-423777
(available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
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While the pathologists and mortician may not have direct contact with
parents and family members, it is important that the following guidelines
are upheld to diminish the trauma to parents at this sensitive time.
- Ensure that the reason for a post-mortem is explained to the parents.
- Offer parents and relatives the opportunity to speak with you before
and after the post-mortem. Ensure that they have your name.
- Always refer to the child by his or her name and acknowledgethe
reality of the child's death to the family.
- Ensure that parents and relatives are aware of the time and the
place where they will be able to see their child following the post-mortem.
- Ensure that parents are advised of the dates when the preliminary
and final post-mortem results will be available. If parents
wish, provide them with the opportunity to speak with you in person
at these times.
- Ensure that parents and family members are advised, as sensitively
as possible, that their child's appearance may be different following
post-mortem, and why this is so.
- Ascertain from parents if they usually place a bonnet on their child's
head and whether they would wish to do so following the post-mortem
examination to cover the necessary wound.
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- Following post-mortem ensure that the child is dressed in the manner
the parents wish and that he/she is placed in a moses basket/cot,
not left lying on a slab, adult trolley or bed.
- Following post-mortem ensure that it will be possible for parents
and relatives to hold and lift their child.
- Ensure that the child's body is placed in a suitable room (not the
mortuary), which is private, locked when not being used by the family,
and not accessible to the public. Ensure that parents and relatives
can have access to this room as they wish.
Remember that the sudden death of an infant or young child normally
affects all who come into contact with it. If you feel that
you would like to talk to someone, ISIDA provides a confidential
Nationwide Helpline 1800 391 391
where you can contact someone who understands and is willing
to listen - you do not have to be a parent or relative.
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