Family presence in pediatric resuscitation

Resuscitation refers to medical interventions and practices performed in emergency situations such as cardiac arrest or respiratory arrest in order to restore the individual's life findings with physiological, pharmacological and mechanical methods. Pediatric resuscitation is a process that is different from adults due to anatomical and physiological differences in pediatric patients and includes specific protocols, as well as a critical process that includes both physical and emotional dimensions for both healthcare personnel and patient relatives. The physical participation of family members or relatives in this process is a very important, multifaceted and highly controversial issue both ethically and psychologically. Patients and their relatives often expect to be actively involved in treatment and health care decisions. Similarly, even during resuscitation and critical care, patients want their relatives to be with them and family members/relatives may also want to be present. Family presence enables family members to participate in or witness the resuscitation process when the child's life is in danger. The physical presence of parents for children and relatives for adult patients in the resuscitation room, as well as their involvement in decision-making processes, are essential components of family presence. Family presence during resuscitation is a tripartite relationship that affects health professionals, family members and the care of the child. All needs must be balanced in the context of effective resuscitation in family presence, as actions involving all three groups can affect the others.