WASHINGTON—Despite excellent medical care, thousands of children and adolescents die suddenly in emergency rooms each year. The aim of these guidelines is to help emergency room staff members become more comfortable in relating to the families of dying children, therefore improving quality care that families receive in the emergency room.

Developed by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Maternal and Child Health Bureau, these guidelines can help ease some of the pain of a child’s sudden death.

The guidelines identify several stages, including preparing the emergency room to help the family of a child who dies by establishing protocols and procedures and training the staff; reaching out to families as they arrive in the emergency room in order for the staff to gain the trust of the family, which is important in a critical situation; informing parents promptly, compassionately and privately is a significant step in dealing with a disoriented, terrified and heartbroken family; and finally, following-up with families at home after the death of a child.  

Also included, and equally important, are coping mechanisms for the staff after a childhood death in the emergency room. The stress associated with death also effects the staff.

Mirean Coleman, NASW staff and project manager in developing these guidelines, says, "These guidelines are important when dealing with a childhood death. No one wants to experience such a tragedy, however, it does happen, and having guidelines helps prepare the critical care staff to provide support to families when faced with unfortunate and sudden life-threatening events."

Copies of guidelines can be obtained by contacting:

Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Clearinghouse
703-902-1203
email: emsc@circsol.com

OR

NASW Information Center
Document #921
750 First St., NE, Ste. 700
Washington, DC 20002-4241

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