One of the most stressful parts of your job may be providing a trauma notification. Planning and preparation are critical. 

Trauma notifications can significantly impact a loved one's grieving process, either positively or negatively. The cornerstone of the recovery process rests on this initial interaction. Most families can recall a majority of the details of the trauma notification. They may not remember every word, but the essence of the words and the manner in which they were delivered stay with them forever.

How a trauma notification is handled can also affect whether or not a loved one is cooperative moving forward if the death is part of a criminal investigation. Every interaction with the decedent’s loved ones can either enhance rapport or degrade it. 

Trauma notifications should follow a four-step process so that you can prepare to provide a sensitive trauma notification with professionalism, dignity, and compassion:

1. Planning​

2. Preparation​

3. Delivery​

4. Follow-Up

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