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THE LAST PERSON. Your patient knows and you know that death is near. What you say and what you do will matter as nothing else does.
A. Description. Don't let this moment haunt you the rest of your life. The imminent death, or near death, of a patient on board is a sentinel event for crewmembers. How best to support a patient, as a human being in such moments, matters at the deepest levels. Facing the situation head on, and learning how to do it, can bring peace of mind to crewmembers. Not addressing it, and botching it, can have long term consequences for crews. Sometimes, caring for a patient involves much more than medicine -- and must.
B. Outline. 1. You may be the last person your patient sees, hears or talks to in this life. Learn to do it right. 2. Your fear. The patient's fear. How fear affects everything, including the quality of medical of care. 3. Simple, powerful, yet counter-intuitive ways to support your patient. It's not about you. 4. There are no atheists in a foxhole. No matter your beliefs, your patient is at the end. Learn how to support your patient spiritually, and still be who you are. 5. If you mess up, what it can mean for you in the long term - emotionally, spiritually. A page taken from veterans returning from war.
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ã 2008 Association of Professional Flight Chaplains
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