ABSTRACT
A thorough and complete investigation into the death of any infant will include a comprehensive review and detailed description of events that occurred from the moment the infant was found unresponsive up to the time the infant is pronounced dead and an investigator arrives at the hospital or scene. It is extremely important that investigators document the events that occurred during this significant period as valuable information; details and insight may be obtained from persons who first responded to the scene, attempted resuscitative efforts, or offered another form of assistance. Hospital personnel who provided care to the infant or family may be able to provide important pieces of information that investigators may miss if these professionals are not interviewed. The 9-1-1 call, which activates the emergency response system and puts all of these professionals in motion, is another crucial piece of evidence that should be reviewed during all infant death investigations as it may provide details about the infant’s death that may not be revealed by any other source.
