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pablo		#1 Posted : 24 March 2010 00:00:00(UTC)
Rank: Member Groups: Joined: 27/05/2011(UTC) Posts: 30 Points: 90		Following a recent disturbing experience I had, I wondered if I could appeal to you to offer your opinions. A child (7yo) found their parent lying unresponsive on the floor and called for help. The ambulance crew arrived very quickly but declared the parent dead on arrival. The child with an older sibling (11) were in another room in the house, anxiously awaiting news. Another adult was on the scene watching over the children, but not a relative. My conundrum: what, how, when and who breaks the news to them?
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SeaJones		#2 Posted : 25 March 2010 00:00:00(UTC)
Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Joined: 27/05/2011(UTC) Posts: 767 Points: 2,301		Sometimes a relative, often a professional of some sort, nurse/doctor/social worker etc. If the news isn't actually broken by a relative, there's usually one present if at all possible/appropriate. This is based on the idea that the patient was declared dead on arrival as you said, if they are dead at the scene, then I don't know exactly what happens, but I'd imagine the kids would be attended by the social work emergency team. Even in this case, the death needs declaring after the attendance of the ambulance crew. SeaJones2010-03-25 01:33:58
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Nickwolf		#3 Posted : 25 March 2010 00:00:00(UTC)
Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Joined: 27/05/2011(UTC) Posts: 126 Points: 378		Further to SeaJones' answer, the Police would be called to any sudden death, such as this. I guess they could call in a family protection officer (I may have the name wrong), as well as the other professionals SeaJones has mentioned, who may then be involved in telling the children. In reality I expect it is dealt with differently in each case, dependant on the circumstances and what the professionals present consider is the best for the children at the time. I am sorry to read that you have been involved in such a case - it is never easy. Nick.
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SeaJones		#4 Posted : 25 March 2010 00:00:00(UTC)
Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Joined: 27/05/2011(UTC) Posts: 767 Points: 2,301		Yes, if your capacity in this was as a member of a VAS, you may want to take advantage of their support structure after this incident.
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pablo		#5 Posted : 26 March 2010 00:00:00(UTC)
Rank: Member Groups: Joined: 27/05/2011(UTC) Posts: 30 Points: 90		Thank you for your input and advice.
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TheATeam		#6 Posted : 14 April 2010 00:00:00(UTC)
Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered Users, Subscribers Joined: 27/05/2011(UTC) Posts: 149 Points: 450		Always worth remembering that even the youngest of children actually know whats going on even if you dont think they do. They seem to know when something is being 'covered up' which is extra difficult.
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