At EMAS, we are always looking for new ways to enhance the approach to the patient care we provide through staff involvement, the sharing of ideas, best practice and feedback.
One of the newest steps taken is the introduction of Cuddle Pockets – taken to support bereavement with parents who have lost a baby.
Cuddle Pockets are individually handmade items which may vary in size and colour and are designed so parents can hold their baby in the Cuddle Pocket whilst secured in the ambulance, for conveying to the hospital.
Thanks to the support of charity Needles & Hooks Angel and Preemies, who made and donated Cuddle Pockets to EMAS, we are now able to provide them on every vehicle across the trust.
Ian Mursell, Consultant Paramedic and project lead for the introduction of Cuddle Pockets at East Midlands Ambulance Service, said:
"As an ambulance service, it’s a sad fact that we will respond to cases of baby loss, through miscarriage, stillborn or a sudden baby loss in the first year of life, and there will be colleagues and volunteers among us who have personally experienced this tragic loss.
"In response to staff feedback and shared best practice, we’re now providing Cuddle Pockets in all of our ambulances to provide a dignified and sensitive method for conveying early baby loss.
"Studies show it’s often the simple things that make a difference in baby loss and bereavement; what we do, say, and how we make someone feel can stay with them for many years, and can impact their recovery.
"We’re committed to improving the care provided at this exceptionally difficult time, and we’re grateful to our staff for coming forward with the Cuddle Pocket idea to help us do this.”
Sands is the leading UK stillbirth and neonatal death charity. Their #FindingTheWords campaign aims to break the silence around stillbirth and neonatal death by encouraging everyone to sensitively start a conversation with someone whose baby has died, however long ago.