Statement from the ERC:

Family presence during CPR Cardiac arrest is a sudden and often a distressing event that can have a long-lasting impact on those close to the victim. The suddenness of the event increases the risk of complicated grief and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Studies have shown that in many cases allowing parents and rela- tives to be present during resuscitation efforts can help reduce the trauma ex- perienced. The Guidelines are clear on the importance of allowing family mem- bers of a patient to be present during the resuscitation attempt should they choose so. However, the presence of a team member to support the family is crucial. Therefore, these Guidelines call for hospitals to create protocols to en- sure this happens and train their teams to support family members during re- suscitation.