THE UNEXPECTED DEATH OF A CHILD AND THE EXPERIENCE OF EMERGENCY SERVICE PERSONNEL

Lindsay J, Heliker D. J Emerg Nurs. 2018;44(1):64-70.

The aim of the phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of emergency service personnel (ESP) involved in an unsuccessful pediatric resuscitation effort and how this experience affects them professionally and personally. Semistructured face-to-face interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of ESP (N = 8) who experienced an unexpected pediatric death. Participants included nurses, physicians, and a respiratory therapist. Interviews lasted 35 to 75 minutes, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Van Manen's 4 existentials (lived time, lived other, lived space, and lived body) guided this study, and 10 subthemes emerged. Those included "what if," "dying before my eyes," "team," "what if it were my child?/being a parent," "the environment," "being trapped," "wounded healer," "education," "anger," and "coping." It was conclude with this study that ESP experience uncertainty, anger, and lack of preparation for coping with unexpected pediatric death. In addition, they also experienced personal reflection, vulnerability, teamwork, and camaraderie.

The researchers concluded from this study the need for education: in-service, professional curriculum, simulation exercise, or role-playing. They also recommend further study on the development of interdisciplinary courses and modules that focus on pediatric death and dying in an emergency setting.

I have many personal connections to this article other than being one of the authors. I have experienced this far more times than I ever thought I would. From many other health care providers who have shared their stories with me, I know that I am not alone. Pediatric trauma and death do take a toll, an emotional toll on health care providers. I have found that many health care providers can remember almost every detail of a pediatric death that has impacted them even if it was more than 30 years ago. Many times, we do not have someone we can readily talk to because our families may not want to hear or we want to protect them from the horrible things that can happen with children. We need to better equip ourselves and each other for these experiences before they happen-perhaps through education and follow-up counseling, not only after the death of a child but also in the continuing weeks, months, or years.