Re: DNR in the Field

[Ted Reesor <reesor_t@yahoo.co.uk>]

I have to agree with Rick on this.  If the DNR is
presented as a true legal document, then you would
have to respect the patient's final wishes.  If you
disrespect (what I consider) that most important wish,
then the rest of his life has been disrespected. 
Unfortunately many families haven't grasped this
concept.

When discussing DNR issues, it should be asked not,
"what do YOU want us to do, but what would the PATIENT
want us to do?".  A signed legal document clearly
states that, and there you have your answer.

When training some of the medics as they come through
our hospital, I like to ask them what the first thing
is that the patient requires.

Any guesses?  I don't want to appear smug (sorry but I
came very close to this personally just the other day
as a family member) but the answer is respect and
dignity.

I know that you are professionals and after many
international patient transports I can say that I love
you all, but see how many different answers you get
when you ask your teammates this.



=====
Ted Reesor, RRT/RRCP
Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital
Burlington, Ontario

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