A do not resuscitate order form is also known as a DNR. It instructs medical professionals that the patient does not wish to receive certain medical procedures (such as CPR) to save their life. The wording involved in a do not resuscitate form may vary depending on the state where you live. Once completed and signed by the patient, a copy should be given to the patient's doctor as well as to the hospital. DNRs are easy to complete, but it's important to make sure it is properly completed so that your wishes are honored.
A Do Not Resuscitate order (DNR) is a medically related document that instructs medical personnel to cease performing life-sustaining treatment such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), endotracheal intubation, and defibrillation. Most patients who initiate a DNR are terminally ill. People may also use them if they want to stay off life-support in the event of a coma or other serious injury or illness.
A Do Not Resuscitate form will be different for each state, although they all include similar information. A copy of the completed and signed form should be kept in the patient’s file at their physician’s office and hospitals. People who have a standing DNR order should also consider wearing a medical bracelet or necklace that indicates they have a Do Not Resuscitate standing.
In the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and New Zealand, “Do Not Resuscitate” and DNR are the most commonly used terms. Other similar terms that are used in some regions include:
Anyone who feels strongly about not being resuscitated or intubated once their breathing and heart stops should consider having a form.
People with terminal illnesses or who are at high risk for stroke, cardiac arrest, or respiratory arrest often consider getting a DNR.
Each state has different legal requirements about what must be included in a DNR. Verify your state’s laws to make sure that your DNR complies with all requirements.
Do Not Resuscitate orders are usually one-page documents that are fairly simple to prepare and execute. They can be included as part of advance directives or advanced healthcare directives. A DNR can also be included in a living will.
You can create a DNR online with a template or seek legal counsel to draft one for you.
The best way to ensure that emergency medical services will honor your DNR wish is to make sure that the DNR is visible near the patient.
No, EMS providers cannot withhold resuscitative measures unless they are absolutely certain that a qualified DNR order exists.
Yes, you can reverse your decision at any time by destroying the document and its copies. You should contact your health care provider and family to notify them when you do so.
Legal documents such as Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (DPAHC), advance directives, and living wills are valid documents that can take the place of a DNR in most circumstances. However, it is important to note that EMS personnel do not have the legal training or time that is required to read and interpret these documents. If they have doubts over the meaning or validity of those documents, they will likely provide resuscitative measures. It is advisable to also have a DNR, which is widely recognized by most EMTs and paramedics, to avoid any confusion.
Yes, a state DNR should be provided to the care facility and a copy should be clearly posted or maintained by the patient.
Each state has its own DNR laws. If you are traveling out of state, you should check that state’s public health department to determine what you will need to do to ensure that your DNR wishes will be followed.
