Compassionate Death Notification: Human-centric methods for delivering the news of loss

Death is a part of life. But how we deliver the news of loss is a complicated situation that requires compassion and skill. We spend time with Russell Strand who explains the human side of sharing devastating news with families and loved ones, and his unique training method for compassionate death notification. 

Senior Special Agent (Retired) Russell W. Strand is the owner and creative visionary of Effective Detective LLC, an organization focused on criminal justice multidisciplinary education and training, primary prevention, technical assistance, and systems improvement. Russ is a seasoned consultant, educator, and trainer passionate about protecting those who cannot protect themselves. His Compassionate Death Notification training program explores the challenges of and best practices for conducting effective and compassionate notifications. According to Russell Strand, death notification training and education are not standard in many professional courses – professionals are often left to struggle through on their own. Although well-intentioned, harm can be done by delivering death notifications if professionals providing the news are not well-prepared or trained. Also, delivering such life-shattering information can greatly impact the “bearer” of bad news. Experiencing the struggles, suffering, and pain of fellow human beings is some of the most impactful and challenging tasks first responders and other helping professionals may endure. This episode explores topics of death, homicide, femicide, suicide, end-of-life situations, and how to prepare for and deliver the news of a loved one's passing.

A quote from Russell Strand: "To touch another human heart in the time of their greatest need with true compassion is perhaps the greatest privilege of all, for this is the very core of humanity."