Medical Aids supports the purchase of Angelcare Baby Monitors

Although the exact mechanism of the syndrome is poorly understood (It is believed to be related to a dysfunction of the respiratory centres in the brainstem), the dreaded outcome is waking up to an infant that may have already been dead for a few hours, with a zero chance of resuscitation.

International Authorities and Councils that provide guidelines for the most up to date recommendations for both basic (Layperson) and advanced (Professional) life support, implements a “chain of survival”, essentially a chain made of links comprising steps that need to be followed in order for the best possible outcome or survival for adults and children suffering respiratory or cardiac arrest.

Because infants generally suffer cardiac arrest secondary to a primary respiratory dysfunction, the prompt administration of rescue breaths along with basic airway opening techniques can almost always result in the return of spontaneous respirations and normal respiratory function, and successful resuscitation by advanced care provider’s thereafter.

The trouble with SIDS is, because death occurs silently, by the time mom or dad is aware of the situation and intervenes, irreversible death has occurred, and all efforts to revive the infant will almost certainly be in vain.

The first link in the paediatric chain of survival is the “early awareness” link. We can therefore place the correct use of an Angelcare baby monitor directly into this first important link in the paediatric chain of survival, as awareness of SIDS and the use of an Angelcare monitor provides parents with the awareness and ability to react to breathing difficulties or respiratory arrest suffered by sleeping infants as they occur.

Angelcare monitors comes equipped with a sensor pad that fits under the baby’s mattress. These sensors detect the baby’s movements and breathing motions. The alarm will go off, if movement has not been detected in any twenty second time frame. Mom and dad can rest in ease, knowing that Angelcare is monitoring sound and movement.

Angelcare monitors that are purchased through Dischem outlets are refundable by most medical aids in South Africa, including Discovery and Bonita’s, as long as a corresponding ICD 10 code and “nappy code” are submitted along with the claim. Just ask a store representative for the required codes when purchasing your monitor.

For more information on SIDS, visit www.who.org.