Parental presence in pediatric trauma resuscitation: one hospital's experience

Abstract

Although parental presence during medical resuscitation of children has been a common practice for years, the same opportunity has rarely been available for families in pediatric trauma resuscitation. Blank Children's Hospital is an exception; for three years, the hospital has had a successful program for family presence in pediatric trauma resuscitation. Beginning with the efforts of one nurse, a task force was established that developed guidelines for this practice in conjunction with nursing and allied health staff, as well as trauma surgeons. Chaplains were approached and then trained to serve as family support persons during trauma resuscitation. Families have been receptive to and pleased with the opportunity to be present during trauma resuscitation of their children.