It’s the phone call-page out that no one who works in the emergency responder world wants to receive. It almost automatically raises one’s heart rate, blood pressure, stress level and more.

It’s that of an infant not breathing or having died. When I was called by dispatch, it was not quite mid-morning and the infant had already been declared dead. I informed the dispatcher that I would be on scene in less than 10 minutes.

While I drove there as quickly as legally possible, I prepared for the common denominators that these types of calls share. These familiar aspects are lots of loud screaming and wailing, free flowing tears, hugs, an arm around the shoulder or supportive hand on the back of the suffering. Other elements are firm handshakes with mourning men, lots of head shaking in bewilderment, and abounding questions, some spoken while others are internalized.

Prayer is typically requested or very welcomed when offered.
This is one of the calls when words can be less meaningful as compared with a quiet, caring, calming presence.

Follow up is paramount as oftentimes shock pervades while the scene is unfolding, but the cruel reality of the situation settles in within a day or two. This is when a phone call or other means of communication prove critical in providing needed support.

Braveheart chaplains are in the midst of these scenes because, ‘The LORD is near to the brokenhearted.’ – Psalm 34:18