He’s Dead Jim – Dealing with the Deceased

In Paramedic School, EMS and Fire expert Justin Schorr learned all manner of keeping people alive but very little about how to deal with the deceased. In the three disciplines we encounter deceased persons more often than we’d like and making a death notification is not a benign procedure. What we say and how we say it will leave a lasting impression, don’t make common mistakes.

• Don’t try to be overly kind. Don’t apologize.
• Brief explanations are best, don’t get technical.
• Use the word “dead” not “has passed on” or “is in a better place.”
• They will remember this forever, put some thought into it.

Listen in to learn more about how to do it right. You’ll only get one chance, make it count.

Since the recording of this show, Justin was informed of the death of his Grandfather. A simple phrase was all that was needed to convey exactly what had happened.