How 'Do Not Resuscitate' Is Open To Interpretation In Some Hospitals

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel - Chip, glad you posted this. We had an interesting discussion among my EMS peers a few weeks ago regarding Do Not Resuscitate (DNR), Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (POST), and Living Will documents. Some held the opinion a "DNR" means "Do Not Treat". Others, that DNR simply means not to perform CPR and/or intubate. Oddly, the opinions were varied among the old hands and the newest trained. Most forms I have read will state what actions the patient wants EMS and ER staff to perform or withhold. Some specify comfort measures only (IV fluids, pain management, antibiotics, etc). Others will specify no actions are to be taken other than to allow death to occur naturally. A select few will direct all available measures to be undertaken to prolong life.

Where I would like to see improvement is in the legislation governing DNR, POST, and Living Will documents. Currently, a patient may have a properly executed DNR/POST but the family can swoop in at the last minute and revoke the form while directing all measures be undertaken to "save" the patient. In 99.999999% of cases, all the family does is prolong the inevitable for a few days or a couple weeks at best. Not to mention they increase and prolong the suffering their loved one endures. No one wants to let go of a loved one but I hope my family loves me enough to let me pass peacefully and let my suffering end.

Interesting medical share.