Presence of family members during CPR in the prehospital setting: a review

Background: Family presence during resuscitation (FPDR) has been a subject of debate within prehospital and emergency care. Despite increasing advocacy for FPDR, there is limited research on its effects in the prehospital setting, and on the experiences of those involved. This review seeks to explore what is known about FPDR and identify gaps in knowledge that may aid future research. Aim: This study aimed to analyse the effects of family presence during resuscitation (FPDR). Method: A scoping review of the literature compared prehospital FPDR guidelines worldwide and explored the experiences and perspectives of family and healthcare professionals in prehospital and emergency medicine. Results: Guidelines for paramedics support FPDR in the UK and worldwide; however, little is known about its effects on relatives and healthcare professionals in prehospital settings. Four themes were identified: patient care; relatives' wellbeing; healthcare professionals' perspectives; and organisational factors. Conclusion: It is crucial that paramedics feel equipped to support family members during and after cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and that relatives feel supported and empowered in the complex decision-making process. To enable such support to relatives in the prehospital environment, paramedics must receive education and specific guidance on medical ethics concerning FPDR. Education for healthcare professionals should be implemented to inform ethical decisions, thus supporting FPDR in clinical practice.