| In 1992, based on their own experience and studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Alameda County (CA) Emergency Medical Services decided to change the Asystole Protocol to include on-site determination of death in cases of cardiac arrest and blunt trauma in the field. The reduction in Code Three transports and subsequent medical work-ups of patients who could not be resuscitated has significant benefits to the public. However, the responsibility for determining death and dealing with the patient's family and loved-ones was new to the on-site EMTs and Paramedics. They were not trained for this situation. |
| Development and implementation of the Alameda County EMS Grief Support Training Program, and the subsequent development and implementation of a program for the City and County of San Francisco, led to the creation of the Grief STEP™ Programs, a comprehensive suite of direct training, materials, and services. |
 Mary S. Reigel, M.S.
M.F.C.C., is a founder of the Grief STEP™ Programs. As a
professional trainer, and consultant she is active in program
and materials development for mental health organizations, the
business community and 911 response professionals. She is part
of a county mutual aide disaster team in California and has assisted
in debriefing and death notification with the Sheriff's Department
and Coroner's Bureau. As the Mental Health Specialist for an
international rescue team, Mary participated in disaster
mitigation programs worldwide. She is a former Director of the
Grief Counseling Project of Suicide Prevention and is a California
Licensed Marriage, Family and Child Counselor. She resides in
Sacramento, CA where she has a private practice. |
|
mary@griefsupport.org |
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