One moment can change a life forever: Shaken Baby Syndrome simulation

A parent or caregiver who becomes frustrated or out of control can abuse a child in a fraction of a second – a moment in time they can never take back. Just one thoughtless shake can cause blindness, paralysis, severe cognitive impairment and even death. One-quarter of the victims of Shaken Baby Syndrome die, and the others have devastating, life-long injuries. Providing public health, social services and parenting educators with a high-impact, interactive teaching tool could save countless lives by increasing awareness and encouraging prevention. The electronic Shaken Baby Syndrome Simulator is an infant model with a clear vinyl head that show the infant's brain. It contains accelerometers that measure the degree of force caused by the shaking demonstration, and lights in the brain illuminate when the infant is shaken to illustrate the specific areas affected by such abuse. The head and neck assembly of this realistic model have been specially designed to withstand the force of repeated demonstrations. The simulator is accompanied by a scientifically accurate curriculum. This presentation will offer details about this important, life-saving program and shed more light on this tragic and preventable abuse. This presentation offers crucial information for anyone entrusted to care for a baby or train others, including parenting educators, medical professionals, health teachers, daycare and foster care providers and babysitter trainers.