Resuscitation: a personal perspective, a dual approach

Resuscitation is a subject of topical interest and sometimes of controversy. This paper has been written following the personal experiences of the author who, although an academic also works in and has clinical links with Accident and Emergency, together with a specialist interest in resuscitation. Its aim is to promote discussion and reflection in order that clinical practice may be enhanced, rather than it being used as a tool to prevent the presence of relatives at resuscitation. The first incident reported relates to the writer delivering resuscitative care, whilst the second records the writer as a recipient of resuscitation. In the first instance the emotions experienced by the author are recorded together with an account of her subsequent resuscitative actions. Mention is made of the hospitalization of the casualty and the reactions to this incident by the wife of the casualty. In the second instance it is demonstrated how formed opinions can be changed due to experiential circumstances, 'do not resuscitate' instructions and the presence of relatives at resuscitation. Reflection has been introduced as an integral part of the article, to illustrate its value as a tool that can be supportive, positive, an initiator of change and that should lead to improved clinical care.