Persons called to a hospital emergency room as the result of a sudden death of a relative or friend are usually in need of emotional support while still at the emergency room. To identify the emotional support needs of such people and to evaluate the procedures and relating skills employed by the emergency room staff at Crittenton Hospital in Rochester, Michigan, a survivor follow-up study was conducted. This study resulted in a series of observations, conclusions, and recommendations appropriate for emergency room personnel, not only at Crittenton, but also at hospitals throughout the country. This article is a summary of that study and is intended to identify the characteristics of an effective emotional support model for use in such situations.