North Florida First Responders Step Up to Save Infants’ Lives -- Babies sleep safest ALONE, on their BACKS and in a CRIB

TALLAHASSEE – From January to September, 128 alleged reports of babies
dying due to unsafe sleep have been called in to the Florida Abuse Hotline.
In an increased effort to prevent these tragedies, first responders,
government agencies, state officials, community organizations and medical
professionals have come together to implement The Safe Sleep Campaign.

Wakulla Fire-Rescue and Marianna Fire Department recently volunteered to
serve as drop-off locations for new pack n play (portable cribs) donations.
These new locations are in addition to the previously established location
at the Tallahassee Fire Department. Local Healthy Starts will distribute
pack n plays to families and organizations in need. The public is
encouraged to donate new pack n plays to designated locations. Parents in
need of a crib for their baby should not contact the donation locations,
but get in touch with a community organization such as Healthy Start.

“Emergency first responders go into our community’s homes to help families
in their time of need. They are also witness to these tragic unsafe sleep
deaths. Through this partnership, free resources and information are
brought directly to the home to encourage families to practice safe sleep,”
Northwest Region Managing Director Vicki Abrams said.

Local pack n play drop-off locations now include:

Wakulla Fire-Rescue
320 Trice Lane
Crawfordville, Florida

Marianna Fire Department
4425 Clinton St.
Marianna, Florida

Tallahassee Fire Department, Fire Station 1
327 North Adams Street
Tallahassee, FL

Another way local fire, law enforcement, EMT and child welfare responders
are participating in the campaign is by distributing Safe Sleep printed
materials to families. Many officers are also taking free online continuing
education courses provided by the campaign showing how first responders can
identify unsafe sleep situations and take preventative measures.

Although many parents sometimes want to create a beautiful sleeping
environment complete with soft bedding, fluffy pillows, plush stuffed
animals and bumper pads, such an environment may prove dangerous to an
infant not yet at an age where they are able to move their head to ensure a
clear airway. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies
sleep ALONE, on their BACKS and in a CRIB. Cribs should be clear of items
like blankets, pillows, stuffed toys, strings/cords, sleep positioners and
bumper pads. Babies should sleep in their own cribs, as the risk of infant
death is 40 times higher for babies who sleep in adult beds.

More information about the campaign is available at
www.myflfamilies.com/safesleep, including videos, designated drop-off
locations, free resources and a full list of partners.

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