Sudden Death Advising of Death Flashcards
How does the process of grieving typically start and end?
Starts with the NOK desperately attempting to hold onto the deceased and to shield against the emotional pain of the loss.
It ends with the NOK successfully letting go of the deceased person.
What are the stages of grief a bereaved person may go through?
Numbness
Pining
Depression
Gaining a new identity
What are the seven steps of advising NOK of a sudden death?
Decide whether you will take anyone with you
Establish the identity of the NOK
Tell the news
Comfort the NOK
Give any information and collect any necessary details
Arrange for identification of the body
Ensure that the person is not alone
What are some of the procedures that may be followed when comforting NOK?
Go slowly - distressing info takes time to sink in.
Don’t be afraid of silences.
Talk about the deceased. (refer to them by name)
Help the person to ID their main sources of support
Don’t be afraid to reveal some of your own feelings.
Define SIDS:
The sudden death of any infant or child which is unexpected by history and in which a thorough post mortem examination fails to determine the cause of death.
What attitudes do some cultures and religious groups hold about post-mortem examinations?
All cultural and ethnic groups have their own death customs and funeral practices. Sensitivity and tact should be employed when dealing with the subject of post mortems.
