RE: DNR in the Field

["Paul M. Wright, Jr." <pmwright@home.com>]

I agree with the plan to work the patient and sort out the issues later.

As far as litigation, I am only aware of one case with similarity to the one
mentioned.  But in that case, ALL of the family members present supported
the DNR and the crew declined to observe it anyway.  It was settled out with
an apology and cancellation of the billed charges for the care rendered.

I think that in any case in which there is disagreement among those present
should be handled in favor of resuscitating the patient and I think any
reasonable judge/jury would agree.  Taking the somewhat crass but pragmatic
approach of what is likely to result in the largest financial award, there
is no question in my mind you should attempt the resuscitation.  Worst case
scenario in that circumstance is probably a financial liability for the
amount of medical charges incurred.  If you decline to resuscitate and
someone wants to make a case, they will nearly always allege that the
decision was based on some factor (race, religion, presence of a protected
disability, inability to pay, etc.) that creates a civil rights liability.
Bad things happen in those cases.

If only family members would agree to respect the decisions that have been
made...

paul

Paul M. Wright, Jr.


> >-----Original Message-----
> >From: flightmed-admin@flightweb.com
> >[mailto:flightmed-admin@flightweb.com]On Behalf Of Harleydog
> >Sent: Friday, July 20, 2001 9:13 AM
> >To: flightmed@flightweb.com
> >Subject: Re: DNR in the Field
> >
> >
> >I would work it up and transport.  Every place I have been employed (So.
> >Jersey, Miami) had the same policy - when there is any question:
> > work 'em
> >up and bring 'em in.  You can always sort out things later in the (more
> >controlled) ER setting.
> >
> >Is anyone aware of any (successful) legal action taken against
> >an EMS unit
> >working a code in this scenario?
> >
> >Larry Dixey, RN, NREMT-P
> >Life Air Rescue
> >Shreveport, LA
> >
> >----- Original Message -----
> >From: <omgwafn@att.net>
> >To: <Flightmed@flightweb.com>
> >Sent: Friday, July 20, 2001 9:40 AM
> >Subject: DNR in the Field
> >
> >
> >> Hi all...Just trying to find out how this is being
> >> handled in other parts of the country....
> >>
> >> What do medics do when they get on scene, a DNR order is
> >> presented but there are opposing family members
> >> regarding carrying out the DNR order?
> >>
> >> Thanks for your help....
> >>
> >> Nancy Hunter, RN
> >>
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> Flightmed mailing list
> >
> >
> >_______________________________________________
> >Flightmed mailing list
> >


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