Death of a child in the emergency department

Publication Date

2014

Journal Title

Ann Emerg Med

Abstract

The death of a child in the emergency department (ED) is one of the most challenging problems facing ED clinicians. This revised technical report and accompanying policy statement reaffirm principles of patient- and family-centered care. Recent literature is examined regarding family presence, termination of resuscitation, bereavement responsibilities of ED clinicians, support of child fatality review efforts, and other issues inherent in caring for the patient, family, and staff when a child dies in the ED. Appendices are provided that offer an approach to bereavement activities in the ED, carrying out forensic responsibilities while providing compassionate care, communicating the news of the death of a child in the acute setting, providing a closing ritual at the time of terminating resuscitation efforts, and managing the child with a terminal condition who presents near death in the ED.

Volume Number

64

Issue Number

1

Pages

e1-17

Document Type

Article

EPub Date

2014/06/22

Status

Faculty

Facility

School of Medicine

Primary Department

General Pediatrics

Additional Departments

Emergency Medicine

PMID

24951422

DOI

10.1016/j.annemergmed.2014.05.011

For the public and Northwell Health campuses

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