Family Presence during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Cardiac arrest accounts for 600,000 deaths annually in industrialized countries.1,2 Family members who are present at the time of attempted resuscitation are at high risk for emotional and physical burdens.3 Being present during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may help the family member understand that everything possible to bring the patient back to life has been implemented.4,5 In addition to quelling suspicion about behind-closed-doors resuscitation efforts and unrealistic expectations of such efforts, the family member's presence may offer the opportunity for a last goodbye and help that person grasp the reality of death, with the hope that the bereavement process . . .