Dealing With Sudden & Unexpected Death Handbook
About the Book
Did you know that more then 43,000 North Americans die in car crashes each year? That more than 29,000 complete suicide? Together, more than 150,000 North Americans die each year as a result of sudden, violent death.
We are excited to announce the publication of a handbook, Dealing with Sudden and Unexpected Death: A Handbook for Survivors written by Beth Vaughan Cole, PhD, APRN; Jan Harvey, MS, APRN; and Leslie Miles, RN. The handbook includes a checklist of things to do in the first 24 hours after death, including:
- keeping a notebook of information,
- making child care arrangements,
- notifying friends and family,
- talking about organ donation,
- and locating a will and keeping it safe.
The handbook also discusses initial grief responses like confusion and denial; funeral arrangements; and what to expect out of children at certain ages and how to help them understand death.
How to Order
Copies of the book are available at the College of Nursing for $14.99, plus tax, shipping, and handling.
For more information call us at 801-585-9522.
You can order the book online.
Tips for Providers
How to Help Grieving Patients
Patients frequently turn first to trusted providers when they are struggling with the death of a close family member or friend. With the specter of COVID-19 deaths still looming—and with so many persons negatively affected by the disruption of helpful funeral and memorial practices still present, it is incumbent of providers to offer first line comfort, reassurance and referral.
Providers serve patients best by normalizing their experience and reassuring them that help is available. It is particularly important to distinguish acute grief—the normal pain, sorrow and somatic distress that immediately follows the death of a close other, and prolonged and disabling grief. The former requires support and these grievers will typically benefit from a conversation with you—and a referral to us for further assessment and resources. Persons who are not functioning occupationally or socially or describe themselves a “stuck” after 6-12 months, may require specialized treatment for complicated grief—a service we offer.
- Here are the clinical distinctions to keep in mind: Grief and Bereavement in Adults - Clinical Features.
- Here is a bit more about what we offer: Grief Support for your Patients - A Place of Hope and Comfort.
We are also happy to speak with any provider to facilitate a smooth referral for grief support: 801-585-9522.
Training Programs for Community Professionals
- The Grief of Overdose Death
- The Grief of Suicide Death
- The Grief of Suicide Death for School Mental Health Personnel
- Caring for Those Experiencing Sudden & Unexpected Death
- When Your Agency Loses a Client (or Student or Colleague) to Suicide
- Restorative Retreats for Mental Health Agencies
These programs were developed by Dr. Katherine Supiano and are supported by grants from the State of Utah-Department of Health
If your agency is interested in one of these trainings, please email caringconnections@utah.edu.
Upcoming Trainings
Grief of Overdose Death Training
Monday, April 28, 2025 from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.
This event will take place online via zoom.
This training is free but registration is required.
Grief of Sudden and Unexpected Death Training
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.
This event will take place online via Zoom.
This training is free but registration is required.
Grief of Suicide Death Training
Friday, June 20, 2025 from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.
This event will take place online via Zoom.
This training is free but registration is required.