UNDERSTANDING
Palliative
Care
11.2025
Understanding What to do in case of an emergency with Palliative Care
Emergencies can happen at any time, but with understanding, preparation, and support, you can respond with confidence and care.
Hospice White River is here to walk this journey with you — offering guidance, reassurance, and compassionate care for both patient and family.
“In the end, it’s not about heroic measures. It’s about love, presence, and peace.”
In case of Emergency
Emergencies in palliative care can be deeply distressing for families and caregivers. When someone you love is very ill, sudden changes in their condition can bring fear and uncertainty. But knowing what to do — and how to stay calm — can help you support them with comfort, dignity, and compassion.
In palliative care, the goal is not to prolong life at all costs, but to ensure quality of life and a peaceful, comfortable environment. That means we do not perform resuscitation (CPR) if a patient passes, but we do everything possible to manage symptoms, pain, and distress in those final moments.
Below are some of the most common emergencies you may face, and what you can do while waiting for help or your local Hospice nurse.
If there is sudden bleeding (for example, from a cancer wound)
• Try to stay calm — your reaction will affect the patient’s anxiety levels.
• Use dark-coloured towels or cloths to gently cover the wound; this helps to absorb blood without alarming the patient.
• Apply gentle pressure if possible, using clean towels or dressings.
• Speak softly and reassure the patient that they are safe and not alone.
• If the bleeding is severe or unstoppable, call your Hospice nurse or emergency medical services immediately.
• Keep the patient in a comfortable position, preferably lying down, and stay with them.
If the patient becomes short of breath
• Open windows or use a fan to circulate fresh air — even a small breeze across the face can help.
• Help the patient sit up or prop them up with pillows to ease breathing.
• Loosen any tight clothing around the neck or chest.
• Stay calm and speak in a gentle, reassuring voice.
• If you have oxygen prescribed by a Doctor, follow your local Hospice nurse’s instructions for use.
• If breathing distress worsens suddenly, call your Hospice nurse or an ambulance.
If the patient becomes unresponsive or passes away
• Remember: in palliative care, we do not resuscitate. This allows for a natural, dignified passing.
• Sit quietly with your loved one, hold their hand, and speak softly — hearing may still be present.
• Contact your local Hospice nurse immediately. They will guide you on the next steps.
• Allow yourself to grieve — Hospice also offers bereavement support for families during this time.
General Tips for Emergencies
• Keep your Hospice contact number and your local ambulance service number visible near the phone.
• Always have a small emergency kit nearby: gloves, clean towels, extra dressings, and any prescribed medication.
• If you’re unsure what to do, call your local Hospice— a nurse will guide you step by step.
• Remember: your calm presence can be the greatest comfort of all.
Emergencies in palliative care can be deeply distressing for families and caregivers. When someone you love is very ill, sudden changes in their condition can bring fear and uncertainty. But knowing what to do — and how to stay calm — can help you support them with comfort, dignity, and compassion.
In palliative care, the goal is not to prolong life at all costs, but to ensure quality of life and a peaceful, comfortable environment. That means we do not perform resuscitation (CPR) if a patient passes, but we do everything possible to manage symptoms, pain, and distress in those final moments.
Below are some of the most common emergencies you may face, and what you can do while waiting for help or your local Hospice nurse.
If there is sudden bleeding (for example, from a cancer wound)
• Try to stay calm — your reaction will affect the patient’s anxiety levels.
• Use dark-coloured towels or cloths to gently cover the wound; this helps to absorb blood without alarming the patient.
• Apply gentle pressure if possible, using clean towels or dressings.
• Speak softly and reassure the patient that they are safe and not alone.
• If the bleeding is severe or unstoppable, call your Hospice nurse or emergency medical services immediately.
• Keep the patient in a comfortable position, preferably lying down, and stay with them.
If the patient becomes short of breath
• Open windows or use a fan to circulate fresh air — even a small breeze across the face can help.
• Help the patient sit up or prop them up with pillows to ease breathing.
• Loosen any tight clothing around the neck or chest.
• Stay calm and speak in a gentle, reassuring voice.
• If you have oxygen prescribed by a Doctor, follow your local Hospice nurse’s instructions for use.
• If breathing distress worsens suddenly, call your Hospice nurse or an ambulance.
If the patient becomes unresponsive or passes away
• Remember: in palliative care, we do not resuscitate. This allows for a natural, dignified passing.
• Sit quietly with your loved one, hold their hand, and speak softly — hearing may still be present.
• Contact your local Hospice nurse immediately. They will guide you on the next steps.
• Allow yourself to grieve — Hospice also offers bereavement support for families during this time.
General Tips for Emergencies
• Keep your Hospice contact number and your local ambulance service number visible near the phone.
• Always have a small emergency kit nearby: gloves, clean towels, extra dressings, and any prescribed medication.
• If you’re unsure what to do, call your local Hospice— a nurse will guide you step by step.
• Remember: your calm presence can be the greatest comfort of all.
