Should family members be present during CPR?

It has been debated recently whether or not relatives should be allowed presence during the attempted resuscitation of their loved one. Medical professionals from 81 hospitals in Arkansas were surveyed, and 223 surveys were returned. Out of these, 85 respondents said they would consider allowing family member presence during CPR, while 131 respondents said they would not consider allowing family presence. The most common reason given for not allowing family member presence was that the family was unprepared or that the CPR scene was too traumatic for family presence. However, other studies have shown that with preparation and support, some family members are helped in their grieving process by being allowed presence. Medical paternalism is not a valid reason for the routine exclusion of families from the resuscitation room.