New Training Course Gives First Responders Tools to Support Families
New Canaan, CT — First Candle, a national nonprofit dedicated to preventing Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and supporting bereaved families, has launched a groundbreaking training program designed specifically for EMTs, firefighters, law enforcement, social service professionals, doulas, and other frontline workers.
The launch of the Safe Sleep Response Training coincides with the start of Safe Sleep Awareness Month this October, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the steps families and professionals can take to reduce the risk of infant sleep-related deaths. Each year in the United States, more than 3,700 babies die from SUID—making it the leading cause of death for infants one month to one year old.
The Safe Sleep Response Training equips professionals with the skills and confidence to have compassionate, culturally sensitive conversations with families about safe sleep practices. The program also provides guidance on how to support families following the devastating loss of an infant.
“Every day, EMTs, social workers, doulas, firefighters and law enforcement professionals and more are on the frontlines in homes and communities,” said Alison Jacobson, CEO of First Candle. “They are uniquely positioned to educate caregivers about safe sleep practices—and, in tragic cases, to provide support after a loss. This training gives them the tools to do both with sensitivity, accuracy, and impact.”
About the Training
- Evidence-Based Curriculum aligned with the American Academy of Pediatrics’ safe sleep guidelines.
- First-Person Stories that bring real-world experiences to life.
- Downloadable Resource Sheets for professionals to share with families.
- Interactive Quizzes to reinforce key concepts.
- Bereavement Support Skills to guide families through the immediate aftermath of infant loss.
- Certificates of Completion and Digital Badges for organizations to display as recognized community partners in safe sleep and bereavement support.
- Continuing Education Credits will be available soon.
This training responds to urgent public health needs. Sudden Unexpected Infant Death disproportionately impacts Black and Native American families due to systemic inequities and social determinants of health.
By completing the Safe Sleep Response Training, frontline professionals will strengthen trust in the communities they serve while gaining tools that save lives and foster healing.
Course Facilitator
Barb Himes, Certified Doula and SIDS mother, is the Director of Education and Bereavement Services at First Candle and has been an advocate and educator since 1982. She was on the original National Action Partnership to Promote Safe Sleep Improvement and Innovation Network (NAPPSS-IIN) steering committee, and has co-chaired its Child Care and Early Education Action Team.
She sits on the National Child and Maternal Health Education Program Coordinating Committee at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and is a member of the International Society for the Study and Prevention of Perinatal and Infant Death (ISPID), receiving its Distinguished Educator award in 2023.
Availability
The course is available online beginning Oct. 6, 2025, making it accessible to professionals nationwide.
About First Candle
First Candle is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that for more than 35 years has been committed to eliminating Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related infant deaths while providing bereavement support to families who have experienced a loss. Through education, advocacy, and compassionate care, First Candle is saving babies and supporting families nationwide.