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Originally Posted by Shipping up to Boston
Not defending the post in question nor challenging yours....however, the post in question was an individual stating that if all things are equal (ie; same training, certification etc) but, one is a paid professional and one is a volunteer, some whom are/were Army medics, EMTs, FF, nurses....she said she would decline services. The DNR was added by the rest of us in the scenario in that the yellow paper needs to be present. That’s insulting and as an OR professional, if you were on that volunteer team and were told that....because you’re an unpaid volunteer....no thanks....you’d be insulted as well. Again, she never brought up a DNR....just the paid/unpaid take...
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You are very mistaken on how most professionals would feel.
First professionals are taught to respect the voice in the room. Even if you think it’s right or wrong you are taught never to overstep your bounds to respect their wishes and do as they ask. If there is no voice in the room you do everything you can to save that human.
It is not about you. It is about that family member who is making decisions since the person laying on the floor doesn’t have a voice. Outside of the hospital and inside. I have seen more than once that a DNR paperwork can be stuffed in a pocket while family members plead with you to save the life, or ask that you step back.
As a professional, I personally involved in CPR on more than 10 occasions alone, outside of A facility. I have also been asked more than five times to step back and not perform CPR.
If you are going into a home or a public area you identify yourself then respect the wishes of the person who is either asking for help or asking you not to help.
It is not in your teaching, to question, burden, or make them feel guilty of their wishes. After all, you are not walking in their shoes. I have personally witnessed within family members that CPR not be started. You have no idea the reason, however background one can guess.
Sometime that 911 call and refusal to first volunteer is allowing more time before first responders arrive. That spouse may have wanted to let them go, but it’s a hard decision to make, being alone with your loved one. By waiting for EMS you are not alone, yet time is making decisions for you.
My best friend ED physician age 27 with stage four Mets stopped breathing while I was at his house. Both his parents were MDAs. It was in my brain to start CPR, and I approached, his spouse said NO. It’s hard to do, when it’s a friend but I had to respect wishes. I knew it was the right decision, but my heart had different ideas.
The one memory that sticks in my mind is at a resort Hotel 3yo was found face in the pool. We were 11 anesthesiologist and anesthetist who were just few feet away.
The father refused us to help, picked up his child ran past us, the lifeguards, into the lobby.
We as professionals went into the lobby again said you have doctors available. Please let us help. The father refused. Was it hard, sure but again you have to respect the person with the voice.
Am I insulted, when someone refuses CPR in a public setting. NOT even once.
I sleep well at night knowing I asked and was answered, by the voice of that spouse, family member, who wants to wait for EMS. Then it’s up to you to offer support and kindness to that voice, and definitely not make them suffer anymore than they already are.
So again no I am not in anyway made to feel angry, hurt feels or insulted to the word NO