Pre-hospital resuscitation: what shall we tell the family?
Brown, Nick
Brown, Nick
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Abstract
Abstract published with permission.
Cardiac arrest is a rarely attended event as a proportion of overall paramedic
workload. When paramedics do attend such an event the management focus is
largely concerned with clinical intervention and there may not be the capacity
or appreciation for offering ongoing support to family members present. Indeed,
even training may not have covered this element of care. Regardless of the
prognosis for the patient, evidence suggests that there is benefit in directly
involving relatives during the resuscitation. Engaging them with carefully
considered and informed dialogue certainly seems humane at least. In which
case, a structured and holistic approach should be employed where clinical care
and emotional support go hand in hand.