Originally Posted by Russ_Boston (Post 836860)

First of all a living will (or healthcare surrogate or healthcare proxy or ....) is very different from a valid, physician signed, DNR.

As stated above:
In the state of Florida there is a YELLOW DNR form. Yes it must be yellow and signed by both the patient (or surrogate or POA) and a medical doctor. That and only that, or evidence thereof (the laminated id strip mentioned), stop a paramedic from performing life saving procedures.


In the hospital we MUST have a physician's order (different and distinct from the yellow sheet). The yellow sheet is only for use outside the hospital. Even many of the staff in the hospital need to be educated about DNR status. I know because it is one of things I need to do as charge nurse to insure that our patient's choices are being followed correctly and to the letter of the state law.

Originally Posted by Barefoot (Post 836623)

Before I replied, I did read your response to JJ. And yes, I would absolutely agree with Justjim.

Originally Posted by 2BNTV (Post 836631)

Unless one has a living will with this expressed wish, who would know what to do?

Originally Posted by DangeloInspections (Post 836733)

As a former career firefighter and Medic and NYS EMS Instructor for well over 20 years, I have done CPR and used an AED countless times.

Folks, it is simpler then many here are making it out to be. According to the Florida Department of Health Florida Department of Health

Florida's "Do Not Resuscitate Order" is state form 1896. Attached to the bottom of the Department of Health’s Form 1896 is a patient identification device, which may be removed from the form, laminated and can be worn on a chain around the neck, clipped to a key chain or to clothing/ bed, etc. so it can travel with the patient. It is equally as valid as the DNRO form and can be presented to emergency medical services when they arrive on scene and is designed to allow the patient to move between settings with one document.

So....if a person does not wish to be resuscitated, they would be wise to understand the DNRO, fill it out correctly, etc. You can do what it states above..wear it around your neck on a chain.

Anyone who has been properly trained in the use of an AED or CPR should and would check for this and comply. This is the surest way to have your wishes met.

Just a bracelet engraved with "DNR" would not work. If it did pity the fool who had those initials!

A first responder would need to see this official form or the bottom part of it to comply. Just having someone say "There is a DNR somewhere" does not cut it.

In real life if a family member is there screaming "Do CPR anyway!", then CPR is usually done. Should it be? Perhaps not, but I've been in those stressful situations...it is not fun. The chances of that happening here in The Villages is small.

Bottom line- if you want a DNR, wear the bottom part of the form around your neck. Nothing is foolproof or perfect, but that is most likely your best chance of having your wishes granted in public.

Hope that helps.

Frank

Originally Posted by skip0358 (Post 836810)

FYI here is the Florida Law ref. DNR orders. Other states ARE now allowing a DNR bracelet.
Do not resuscitate order
Chapter 64E-2.031, Florida Administrative Code, is legislation regarding the Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNRO), form 1896 (revised December 2002), often referred to as the “yellow form” because it must be either the original on canary-yellow paper, or a copy made onto similar yellow-colored paper. It must be signed by an individual or the individual's health care representative and the individual's physician. While earlier forms will be recognized, it's recommended that patients obtain and complete this form. The Florida DNRO is recognized only in Florida. The bottom of the yellow form has a “patient identification device” that can be removed from the form, completed, and laminated to be carried by the individual. It is equally valid to the DNRO form 1896. The DNRO should be prominently displayed in the home. It is also advised that the patient identification device be displayed in a bracelet, for example, rather than in a wallet or purse, as emergency medical personnel aren't likely to have the time to look for the DNRO identification device before beginning resuscitation.

Originally Posted by Russ_Boston (Post 836860)

First of all a living will (or healthcare surrogate or healthcare proxy or ....) is very different from a valid, physician signed, DNR.

As stated above:
In the state of Florida there is a YELLOW DNR form. Yes it must be yellow and signed by both the patient (surrogate or POA, if patient is not competent) and a medical doctor. That and only that, or evidence thereof (the laminated id strip mentioned), stop a paramedic from performing life saving procedures.


In the hospital we MUST have a physician's order (different and distinct from the yellow sheet). The yellow sheet is only for use outside the hospital. Even many of the staff in the hospital need to be educated about DNR status. I know because it is one of things I need to do as charge nurse to insure that our patient's choices are being followed correctly and to the letter of the state law.

Originally Posted by LatDoc (Post 836792)

What DNR says is.....if I am in a condition not likely to survive I do not want to be resuscitated. It doesn't say don't resuscitate no matter what.
People seem to miss that point....look at the wording....this is an issue very often in caring for patients.
It typically applies to the terminally ill patient whose quality of life is so poor that they do not want their dying process to be reversed.
If you are at home and don't want someone to help you the best way is simply don't call anyone....but if you do call...you will most likely be helped and perhaps even saved.

Originally Posted by rubicon (Post 836821)

My wife is on an AED team and I suspect many others also reading this thread. If anything it will provide an opportunity for discussion at their AED future training meetings.

Personally, I believe the scenario just over complicates a process whose intent is providing emergency assistance and if I were an AED participant I would error in favor of saving someone because I can't help but believe that when faced with such a reality many more would welcome a little more living time than not and cannot envision a person you saved saying who asked you to intervene"