A Family Matter

Dr. Greene on the family matter of CPR…

The international CPR guidelines published by the American Heart Association have simplified the CPR performed by laypersons. But the most significant change in the guidelines is that they now tackle an important ethical and social aspect of resuscitation. For the first time, the AHA recommends that doctors consider giving family members the option of remaining with their loved ones during resuscitation efforts, wherever they occur — in an emergency department, an ICU, or outside the hospital. This includes everything from IV placement to emergency thoracotomy.

While resuscitations are never pleasant to watch, giving families the choice to be with their loved ones is a major step forward.