This material was developed to be used by instructors in the health related fields who have contact with nurses, doctors, ambulance crews, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics. The essay is a summary from various portions of an educational unit. The objective of the essay is to provide the reader with current up-to-date factual information involving Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The article is divided into the following four categories: (1) general facts concerning SIDS, (2) medical research involving SIDS, (3) professional involvement with SIDS, and (4) parental reaction to SIDS. A review of the literature was made and is presented in summary form. An extensive list of references is included. (Author/EB)