Losing a close person following death by sudden cardiac arrest: Bereaved family members' lived experiences.

Abstract

The death of a close person has profound impact on people's lives, and when death is sudden there are no possibilities to prepare for the loss. The study aimed to illuminate meanings of losing a close person following sudden cardiac arrest. A qualitative interpretive design was used, and twelve bereaved family members were interviewed. The results show a transition from pending between life and sudden loss during resuscitation and proceeding with life after the sudden loss. These results of being in liminality illuminate the family members' essential narration and the importance of compassionate care throughout this challenging transition.