Psychological issues in CPR

CPR has been incorporated into emergency cardiac care with the evolution of both basic and advanced life support components. To date, however, the psychological issues associated with these skills have not been addressed. These issues include the psychological impact of failed resuscitation on the rescuer, the importance of breaking bad news in an empathetic and grief facilitating way to family members and the importance of emergency workers attending to their own feelings and health (critical incident debriefing). This paper describes ongoing research on the impact of CPR on the rescuer, discusses a method of talking to families after a loved one has suddenly died, and provides insights into the psychological dysfunctions that emergency personnel may be exposed to. The technique and importance of critical incident debriefing following an unsuccessful CPR attempt is discussed.