Responded to a call with a rookie where a guy shot himself accidentally in the thigh. He hit his artery and was going to die no matter what. We tried our best to pack the wound but were simply delaying the inevitable. He kept asking us to not let him die.

After the call the rookie asked me "When someone asks if they are dying, do you tell them yes or no?"

I've never thought about that before as I have told people both. It took a couple minutes to find an answer.

Sometimes it's better to lie, others seem to want closure.

So the best answer I have to that question is that you tell them whatever you need to in order for you to carry on. Ten minutes after they pass, you'll be expected to get back to it. Maybe playing with kids, maybe writing a ticket. Whatever helps you compartmentalize.

So I ask my followers who deal with the same, what do you do? Doctors, nurses, EMTs, fellow cops, what advice would you spread with this situation? Do we lie to comfort someone or do we tell the truth to give them closure. What do you do for yourself as well?