Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID): Investigation Training and How to Document Cause of Death

Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) includes Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and is a category of deaths. It includes deaths among infants less than 1 year of age that occur suddenly and unexpectedly, where the cause of death is not immediately obvious prior to investigation. See below for information about how to access the SUID Investigation Training and how to correctly document the cause of death for infants. 

SUID- Documenting Cause of Death

Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) is NOT a cause of death. SUID should never be written on a death certificate. 

By correctly documenting the cause of death, we can learn more about the differences in risk factors among infants who died from SIDS and other causes. We can more efficiently allocate resources and create targeted interventions to prevent future deaths. 

Note: Unless there is a confirmed SIDS case, DO NOT use any combination of the following words on a death certificate. Vital Records will inappropriately classify the death as SIDS if any of the following combinations of words are used. 

 

Any time the documented cause of death is any combination of the following words, the computer codes the death as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in vital records data:

• Infant
• Unexpected
• Unexplained
• Sudden
• Death
• Syndrome

 

Please help us correctly document the cause of death on the death certificate by following the guidance listed below:

Record...	When...
Unknown or Undetermined	The death cannot be explained and one of the following is unavailable: autopsy, death scene investigation, or review of clinical history.
Accidental Suffocation and Strangulation in Bed (ASSB)	The death occurred in a sleep environment and may be due to overlay or rollover. The death may also be due to an object in the sleep environment including but not limited to bed linens, sheets, blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, or soft bedding.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)	The death of an infant less than 1 year of age cannot be explained even after autopsy, death scene investigation, and review of clinical history. All criteria must be met to classify the death as SIDS.

 

Download the Coroner's Guide here.

 

SUID Investigation Training

Thank you for your interest in the Louisiana Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Investigation training! This training is designed to provide the tools with which Louisiana death scene investigators and coroners can investigate and learn from each SUID death to improve the health and safety of Louisiana families and children.

Training Objectives:

• Explain the key elements of the SUID investigation process, including the roles and responsibilities of Louisiana death scene investigators and coroners.
• Prove skills-building concepts that address process development and interview training
• Outline key concepts of infant health and growth.
• Prepare investigators to accurately complete a SUID investigation according to CDC guidelines.

Steps to becoming a certified SUID death scene investigator

1. Submit an online registration application. Once you are approved you'll be given access to register for the training. 
2. Complete all training modules and score at least 80% on all quizzes

Apply Now

Cost:

There is no cost for the training conference.

Continuing Education:

Continuing Education is not offered for the online training.  

Note: This experience is best viewed on a desktop device.