User talk:Rebeccafahey

Death Notification
Death notification is a process in which volunteers, medical personnel, or law enforcement notify a friend or family member about the death of a loved one. The most common form of death notification that many people associate with is military death notification. This may be the case because war is almost always a current issue in many different places and countries. Death notification is a term in regards to civilian or military personnel.

History
Death notification dates back long ago. Death notification takes place in various settings, but is always professional. The most important part of this process is that the notification is delivered in a formal manner and in person. As one can see in the image on the left hand side, this death notification is in the form of a telegram. Back when this telegram was written in 1968, there were not the same means of transportation that allow for a more formal notification that is required today. During the 1800s and early 1900s death notification was not as complex of a process. There were not the means to deliver a written notification, so notices were left inside funeral homes. Now as the world is constantly advancing, there are more requirements to follow. One of these requirements being that the name of the deceased is not released to any outside sources until after 24 hours of the survivors being notified. One key reason being that the survivors are the first to find out in the formal manner.

Procedures
Now that we live in a time where death notification has strict regulations, there are many regulations the individual notifying family must follow. There are slightly different rules, depending on the setting. No matter the location, death notification is always to be delivered in pairs. By giving the survivors the news in pairs it allows for there to be complete attention and more compassion by their presence. Another reason for pairs is so one person is a member of law enforcement, whether it may be an officer or medical personnel, and the second person is a chaplain, counselor, or other civilian. Having a pair allows the notifiers to prepare for worst-case scenario, for example, say a survivor lashes out because of the bad news. The next most important procedure in death notification is the manner in which you relay the message and the words that are chosen. When addressing the notification in a home setting is it important that the notification is told inside the home to honor the survivor’s privacy. Once inside, it is of utmost importance to deliver the notification in a straightforward way. In the article, “In Person, In Time” the author writes, “Then, avoid vague expressions such as “Sally was lost” or “passed away.” Examples of plain language include: “Your daughter was in a car crash and she was killed.” “Your husband was shot today and he died.” “Your father had a heart attack at his work place and he died” (Bennett 4). This is particularly significant because you want to be direct with the survivor so they fully understand what is happening. The last two settings that death notification can be completed in, are an office (work) setting and or a hospital. In both of these settings one delivers the notification in a room that the survivor can have their own privacy in. For example, when giving the death notification in a work setting, ask permission from their supervisor and take them to a private room to deliver the notification. When giving death notification in a hospital setting there are already set protocols since it is a large institution, but it would still be in a private room. When giving death notification in a hospital it is key that this notification is not done in a common area such as a waiting room or hallway. With death notification being done in pairs, proper settings, and straightforward language it allows for the process to be done as successfully as it can be. Death notification may be the hardest part of many medical staff or law enforcements jobs. Once the notification is complete there are various forms that survivors must complete and the notifiers help in completing these. Aside from the forms, the notifiers also can take the survivors to the body if the survivors chose to do so. The “last” part of the job that the individual notifying survivors completes is to follow up and stay in contact while the family needs support and help in answering any questions about the death.