Paramedic care of the dying, deceased and bereaved in Aotearoa, New Zealand

Abstract

Paramedics play an essential and distinct role as providers of care to the dying, deceased and bereaved in Aotearoa, New Zealand and around the world. In this paper, we highlight what is known about the features, barriers and facilitators of quality end-of-life care by emergency ambulance personnel. We also identify priorities for future policy and practice, education and research in this area. Paramedics provide urgent and after-hours support to those with known life-limiting illness and their caregivers, but also attend sudden deaths, from unexpected or unknown causes. Paramedic care at the end of life may involve attempted resuscitation; challenging decision-making and communication; symptom relief; recognition of irreversible dying; provision of compassionate, culturally responsive support for co-responders, bystanders and the bereaved. There is an insufficient acknowledgement of the critical and unique role of paramedics, as providers of urgent care to the dying deceased and bereaved. Ambulance personnel around the world want better preparation and support for end-of-life care. Future research should aim to evaluate and improve this vital care, explore the needs and experiences of those who call an ambulance in the context of death, dying or bereavement and address equity and cultural responsiveness.

Keywords:

• Paramedic
• End of life
• Death
• Emergency medical service
• Palliative care
• New Zealand