Signs of medical intervention are also removed from the patient. Follow-up after the child s death A staff member, preferably the family care specialist, contacts the family and offers assistance in the areas of funeral planning, approach to sibling reactions, need for mental health services, autopsy decisions, and the availability of support groups such as Compassionate Friends, which offer group meetings. Support is offered to the family for one year, along with regular contact from the family care specialist and at least one contact from the emergency room physician. The results of the autopsy are discussed with the family at a scheduled meeting. The primary care physician assists with this meeting and becomes an available source of information for the family.
Hospitals routinely schedule memorial services for children who die.
These are frequently held on the anniversary of the death and are arranged by the chaplain. Helping the staff cope with childhood death Emergency room staff members are easily worn down when regularly facing the sudden death of children. Turnover is high, and personnel experience emotional responses typical of post-traumatic stress disorder. Preparation, education, and proper supervision are available so that staff may anticipate the needs of the patient and family and create a sense of confidence and purpose in the treatment team. Despite the best efforts of hospital administration, ER staff members may be traumatized by the crises surrounding a child s death.