New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

Which statement regarding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is false?

1. It is preventable with attentive parenting

2. Infants who experience a cardiac arrest should receive CPR

3. It is characterized as an unexplained and sudden infant death

4. The EMS provider should assist families in coping with grief

The correct answer is: It is preventable with attentive parenting

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a tragic phenomenon characterized by the sudden and unexplained death of an infant, usually during sleep. The nature of SIDS means that it cannot be entirely prevented, as factors contributing to its occurrence are not fully understood. While attentive parenting may mitigate some risk factors associated with sleep environments—such as placing infants on their backs to sleep, ensuring a firm mattress, and avoiding soft bedding—SIDS itself remains an unpredictable occurrence. This makes the assertion about prevention misleading. In contrast, the other statements hold true within the context of SIDS. Infants who experience cardiac arrest certainly should receive CPR, as immediate resuscitation efforts are critical in any situation of cardiac arrest regardless of the underlying cause. The character of SIDS as an unexplained and sudden infant death is a foundational aspect of its definition. Furthermore, EMS providers play a crucial role in supporting families in their grief following the loss of an infant, helping them to navigate their emotions and providing necessary resources.