Delivering the news of death is one of the hardest yet most overlooked skills in emergency medicine. Many learn by watching others or through trial and error rather than structured training (or just make it up as they go). This lack of preparation can lead to discomfort, stress, avoidance, and even systemic failures in how death notifications are handled. In this episode, we explore the critical components of death communication, how to navigate these difficult conversations with clarity and compassion, and why avoiding or mishandling these moments can have lasting consequences for both providers and families. Finally, we discuss the emotional toll of secondhand grief and the importance of proactive mental health care for those on the front lines of healthcare.💡 Check out our Free Resources specifically designed to address pain points in medical practice💡Guest bio:  Alexandra Jabr, PhD, EMT-P, is the founder of Emergency Resilience and a leading voice in the overlooked aspects of first responder training. With nearly 15 years of experience as an EMT, paramedic, cardiac tech, EMS coordinator, and educator, she saw firsthand the emotional toll of the job—especially when it came to death communication. She went on to earn a Master’s in Death, Grief, and Bereavement, followed by a Ph.D. in Depth Psychology, focusing on how first responders can maintain their mental health while supporting grieving families and colleagues. Through her work, she’s redefining continuing education, ensuring first responders get the training they truly need—not just another CPR recert.We discuss: Why On-Scene Death Notifications Are So DifficultChallenges in Death Communication TrainingPractical Steps for Delivering the News of DeathA Structured and Compassionate FrameworkHandling Determination of DeathCommon MistakesSecondhand Grief and Provider Well-beingProactive Mental Health for ProvidersMentioned in this episode:Never Lame. Never Spammy. Always Fresh.If you’d like a few minutes of career-elevating curated kickassery delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. Sign up for our NewsletterAwake + Aware | May 5–7, 2025Bend, Oregon | A 3-day, in-person workshop with world-class faculty to challenge your mindset, recharge your purpose, and connect with people who get it. 18 Hours Category 1 CMEAwake + Aware Bend 2025

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