DNR - Do not Resuscitate

[Padres1969]

Isn’t resuscitation also the default procedure when 911 / emergency is called? That is not always under doctor’s orders.

**More states in the US are using the POLST (Physican’s Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment) so that if emergency services are called and resuscitation is NOT wanted, the orders are there and visible.
**
It’s hard to know what to do in an unforeseen situation, but if a DNR is absolutely wanted, I’m grateful there are ways to communicate that officially. It is no sin to say, ‘Let me die.’

Yeah not a bad idea. DNRs are far too often ignored due to lack of visibility (either intentionally or unintentionally). And due to hospital policies that all efforts are made until a DNR is confirmed. My family ran into this earlier this month when my uncle’s father went into arrest. The son who had his DNR, living will, etc… was not able to be reached, so the doctor’s brought him back into a lingering state on machines and the like. It wasn’t until a day later that they finally removed him from everything when the DNR had been verified and the like.

 

[ComplineSanFran]

Yeah not a bad idea. DNRs are far too often ignored due to lack of visibility (either intentionally or unintentionally). And due to hospital policies that all efforts are made until a DNR is confirmed. My family ran into this earlier this month when my uncle’s father went into arrest. The son who had his DNR, living will, etc… was not able to be reached, so the doctor’s brought him back into a lingering state on machines and the like. It wasn’t until a day later that they finally removed him from everything when the DNR had been verified and the like.

Yes, I agree with you, that Advance Directives are usually very difficult to access, especially in an emergency situation. They are important to have, though, as documents to guide the family/loved ones in a medical crisis.

One thing to note - the Directive, or Living Will, is NOT a legal document. The only thing on there that is legally binding is the Health Care Proxy. Now, it’s encouraged that the wishes be followed, but not essential.

The POLST, on the other hand, IS a legal document, because it is the Physician’s Orders for care. Any medical person or institution MUST follow the orders.

 

[ComplineSanFran]

Yes, resuscitation is the default procedure for 911. I have heard about POLST but never seen it used.

It is a VERY good idea to have one, especially if you are elderly or going through a terminal illness.

Here is one from California. It’s known as ‘The Pink Sheet.’

(Please Note: This uploaded content is no longer available.)

 

[DaveBj]

Yeah not a bad idea. DNRs are far too often ignored due to lack of visibility (either intentionally or unintentionally). And due to hospital policies that all efforts are made until a DNR is confirmed. My family ran into this earlier this month when my uncle’s father went into arrest. The son who had his DNR, living will, etc… was not able to be reached, so the doctor’s brought him back into a lingering state on machines and the like. It wasn’t until a day later that they finally removed him from everything when the DNR had been verified and the like.

I have considered (not very seriously) having the letters “DNR” tattooed on my chest. I do like that California Pink Sheet.