Risks of infection to the bereaved

Reports the results of an informal survey of over seventy emergency room (ER) nurses regarding the risk of infection to the bereaved due to blood and body fluid exposure when they are in contact with the deceased shortly after death. Results indicated that the nurses never considered the possibility of this risk. Notes that although the risk of HIV is less likely due to the fragile nature of the virus, hepatitis B and other infectious diseases can be transmitted. Suggests that hospital chaplains are in a unique position to assist in the protection of the bereaved from this potential hazard.