Commentary on the Multi-Agency Approach to the Investigation of SUDI

In this issue of Current Paediatric Reviews PJ Fleming presents the English multi agency approach to the investigation of sudden unexpected death in infancy (1). The author is probably the world’s most experienced expert on death scene investigation in such cases, and the present paper is thus both interesting and important. Due to new legislation in the UK by April 1, 2008, death scene investigation has to be performed in all cases of sudden infant death. The professionals involved in the investigation are police officers, social workers and paediatricians. Forensic/paediatric pathologists are indirectly involved in the diagnostic work. The purpose of the death scene investigation is firstly to provide care, support and information to bereaved families, secondly, to identify potentially preventable factors or evidence of neglect or abuse. Furthermore, important aims are the identification of potentially contributory epidemiological or environmental factors, and thus to accumulate knowledge for the prevention or risk reduction of sudden deaths in the future (1).