Purpose
The sudden unexpected death investigation reporting form (SUIDIRF) is a voluntary tool and template for states and jurisdictions to use. Learn more about the SUIDIRF, including its importance, the information it collects, and how to use the form.
Background
The SUIDIRF is a voluntary tool and template for states and jurisdictions to use.
In 1996, CDC released the original SUIDIRF. In 2006, CDC released a revised SUIDIRF and developed an infant death scene investigation training curriculum. In 2020, CDC released a revised version of the SUIDIRF that incorporated suggested updates from experts in death investigation.
Why it's important
The SUIDIRF:
- Standardizes data collection to help improve classification of sleep-related infant deaths.
- Assists in determining accurate cause of death by strengthening information about the circumstances of the death available before an autopsy.
- Guides investigators through the steps involved in an investigation.
- Allows investigators to document their findings easily and consistently.
- Produces information that researchers can use to recognize new risk factors for sudden unexpected infant death (SUID).
The following information is collected on the SUIDIRF:
- Infant demographics.
- Pregnancy history.
- Infant history.
- Incident scene investigation.
- Incident circumstances.
- Investigation summary.
- Investigation diagrams.
- Summary for pathologist.
What's included
SUIDIRF Form and User Guide
Fillable SUIDI Reporting Form – (2021 update- now printer-friendly)
Suggested citation: Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Investigation Reporting Form Working Group. Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Investigation Reporting Form. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2021. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/sudden-infant-death/php/suidrf/index.html.
Fillable SUIDI Reporting Form (2006 version)
How to Use the SUIDI Reporting Form (2020 update)
If you have any questions or comments about the reporting form, please e-mail us at cdcinfo@cdc.gov.
Using the SUIDI Additional Investigative Forms
The additional investigative forms can be used in addition to the SUIDIRF to collect important investigative information. However, collecting this information before an autopsy is not essential.
- Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Investigation Reporting Form Working Group. Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Investigation Reporting Form. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2021.