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Resuscitation (CPR) |
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 What
can you do avoid CPR
Once you have decided against trying resuscitation, how can you prevent
people from trying anyway? You need to have a clear discussion with
your doctor and those near you to be sure that everyone understands
your wishes. Resuscitation is rarely effective in those who are very
sick, and life after resuscitation is often short and uncomfortable.
However, since resuscitation has to be started right away, there is
a presumption in favor of using it whenever the situation is unclear.
It is up to you and your doctor to see to it that your plans are clear!
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At home, you will have less risk that resuscitation will be
tried, unless someone panics and calls the emergency medical
system. There are usually ways to ensure that the emergency
crew will follow your wishes, but you have to find out what
the process is in your area and follow it.
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In a hospital, you should ask for a "do not attempt resuscitation"
(DNR) order. If possible, ask your doctor to phone this order
ahead of your admission. When you arrive at the emergency room
or the admissions desk, ask to be sure that an order is in place
as early as possible. When you get to a hospital room, ask your
nurse and any doctors who see you to be sure that your order
is in place. Most hospitals have some way to identify patients
who have requested "do not attempt resuscitation orders," such
as a bracelet or a bright sheet in the front of the medical
chart. Ask about the process and be sure it is followed.
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In a nursing home, the situation may be parallel to a hospital
or may be more entrusted to your primary nurse. Ask how you
can be sure that no one will misunderstand what you want. In
a nursing home, you need to be clear about whether you should
be sent to a hospital if you become quite ill. If you are at
the point that you would want to go to a hospital only to relieve
symptoms, or not at all, be sure to make that clear as well
as your intentions about resuscitation. |
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Adapted from The
Handbook for Mortals: Guidance for People Facing Serious Illness,
by Joanne Lynn and Joan Harrold, copyright by Joanne Lynn, used by
permission of Oxford University Press.
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