Do Not Resuscitate Orders, ID Bracelets & Experiences

@joko I was wearing a bracelet that indicated that I was taking a blood thinner and had A-fib. It also has my I.C.E. (In Case of Emergency) contact’s phone number. I stopped wearing it when I stopped taking the blood thinner.

There are too many scenarios that could be considered. Wearing a bracelet is great if you are unconscious or just not able to communicate. Otherwise, you can speak for yourself. So I am not sure…

It’s all about communication. Is your PCP aware that you’re in the hospital on the weekend? No, I bet not.

So, I would ask your PCP for their opinion.

Some folks keep their DNR signed form on their fridge, often if living alone, but if something bad happens to them outside of their home, or in shopping mall, etc. the person is rushed to hospital, doubt anyone would go to their home and look for it, and if person is sadly unconscious etc., cannot give information. I have my DNR in a small file to gather up if going to emerge, one on my drs. patient file - but what if night time when dr not there, or weekends. I cannot think of any way to cover all scenarios of serious injury/illness , especially if away from home, that anyone in attendance can find your DND - if so, I too would like to know a suitable place. Even wearing a DND bracelet has no signature - and if person has no id on them....???? thanks

I have a copy of my DNR in my wallet. There is a copy with my hospital, and with my doctors. Also, I belong to Medic Alert. They use a toll-free number that can be accessed by emergency personnel to know what meds I am on, my health conditions, medical professional contact numbers, plus the DNR, etc. They also have my Advanced Directive on file there. My husband is well aware of my DNR and knows where the copy is here at home. Every 3 months I get a copy of my dialysis orders and bloodwork to use as "transfer paperwork" in the event I need to be hospitalized.
Ginger

EMTs should respect bracelets and orders for sure, unless it is an expensive bracelet…all is fair in love and war so…once DNR…anything expensive may vanish…let’s always think positive and mindfully make sure we walk in good well-lit places etc etc so we are safe. I mean a shooting in Nashville, turns my stomach…

Yes. In the hospice/DNR class I was in, the social worker said many people put their signed form on fridge, but there is no assurance anyone is going to get it from there. There do seem to be a great many variables.

I have my DNR with my primary physician, Mayo Clinic Rochester , and places I frequent like for acupuncture and massage, and my refrigerator. I wear a road ID bracelet with access via code to all my wishes, contacts, and DNR. My nurse daughter does not encourage the DNR but understands my wishes. She believes there are too many reasons I would say resuscitate if I were conscious. For my wife, the DNR made things for her very easy when she decided not to be put on a respirator at Mayo Clinic Rochester. ICU staff became just like palliative care, or hospice care staff almost instantly. They even invited our dog to be put on her bed at that moment. That brought the greatest smile to her face.

"My nurse daughter does not encourage the DNR but understands my wishes. She believes there are too many reasons I would say resuscitate if I were conscious." Thanks. That's the kind of info I'm getting from the docs and nurses and from the current literature online. I love your comment about your dog. I can identify with that action. Our dogs are real members of the family.

I had it on the frig for my 96 yr. old mom. She died at home. The aide followed protocol and called 911. The firemen arrived and ignored the DNR. They pounded on her chest, breaking several bones saying all the while that they were just doing their job.

I am not an attorney. My understanding is that DNR‘s are legally binding documents if properly executed for your state. Did the aide advocate for your mother’s wishes? I have heard other stories like this where people have sought legal action after the fact. Sad for everybody concerned. Misunderstandings. Inadequate training.

During my mother’s terminal illness in 1988 we had cleared with her physician, medical examiner’s office, and funeral home to not call the fire department when she passed on. Just call the funeral home. We tried to let each different aide know what to do. Some, understandably, were shaken by that idea. Thankfully, aides were not on duty when she passed on. Just our family.

In a similar instance, when my aunt was in a nursing home, but under the care of a hospice service in that home, the instructions by the hospice were very clear not to resuscitate. A nursing home employee thought otherwise and did resuscitate. That added about 36 hours of additional suffering. So, when my uncle’s time came a few years later, he was sure to be within the confines of the hospice home.

Thank you elimseoj. You made a lot of good points which I wasn't aware of. The aide didn't have to say much because me and my husband, who is an attorney, got right over there. However, the fireman just kept going at it bragging how he has a great record of reviving them, broken ribs and all.