Training Resources: Sudden Unexplained Infant Death Investigation (SUIDI)

SUIDI Training Resources

CDC collaborated with a number of organizations and subject matter experts to create the following training materials for the investigation of infant (less than 1 year old) deaths intended for investigators and instructors:

For Investigators

Sudden Unexplained Infant Death Investigation: A Systematic Training Program for the

Professional Infant Death Investigation Specialist

This training manual teaches death scene investigators how to conduct a comprehensive infant

death scene investigation. Investigators learn how to conduct witness interviews and doll reenactment,

and to develop a narrative report for the forensic pathologist. This training gives investigators the

necessary knowledge and skills to complete the Sudden Unexplained Infant Death Investigation

Reporting Form (SUIDIRF) during and after the scene investigation. The manual was used during

the Sudden Unexplained Infant Death Investigation National Training Academies.

Cover[PDF-617KB]	Chapter 4[PDF-2.68MB]
Chapter 1[PDF-768KB]	Chapter 5[PDF-5.3MB]
Chapter 2[PDF-4.3MB]	Chapter 6[PDF-4.1MB]
Chapter 3[PDF-5.63MB]	Chapter 7[PDF-459KB]

Chapter 8[PDF-373KB]	Appendix B[PDF-129KB]
Chapter 9[PDF-753KB]	Glossary[PDF-3.2MB]
Appendix A[PDF-309KB]	References[PDF-990KB]
Answers to Sample Questions[PDF - 331KB]

The Infant Death Investigation: Guidelines for the Scene Investigator[PDF - 459KB] helps

investigators conduct an infant death investigation using recommended practices and

demonstrates how to report scene information to the pathologist conducting the autopsy.

These guidelines also include the “SUIDI Top 25”, which highlights the 25 critical scene/case

issues forensic pathologists need from the investigator to determine cause and manner of death.

It is not intended to take the place of existing laws or regulations.

Guidelines for the Scene Investigator has been endorsed by the National Sheriffs’ Association,

the National Association of Medical Examiners, the International Coroners and Medical Examiners

Association, and the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators.

Sudden, Unexplained Infant Death Investigation: Death Scene Re-creation is an on-demand presentation that reviews the goals of the death scene investigator, including how to conduct a thorough death scene re-creation and how to explain the re-creation process to the family member or caregiver.