660
Anon is a good samaritan (sh.itjust.works)
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[-] Fosheze@lemmy.world 181 points 3 months ago

First responder here. The DNR doesn't mean a damn thing until it is literally in your hands. Until that time you respond as though there is no DNR. If you're wrong and they did have one but just didn't have it on hand then you accidentally save someones life, you're still legally in the clear, and I guess they can just die sometime later. But if the DNR turns out not to be real/legitimate and you didn't act just because you were told there was one then you just killed someone and you're completly fucked.

If you have a family member that has a DNR then be damn sure everyone knows where that thing is because unless you have it physically there when they are dieing then it doesn't mean anything.

Of course in places like nursing homes there is a different procedure. They know who has one on file and they will usually tell dispatch about it before the ambulance is even sent. But if it happens just in your home or someplace then the ambulance crew can't just take your word for it; they need the document in hand.

[-] AeonFelis@lemmy.world 39 points 3 months ago

The DNR doesn’t mean a damn thing until it is literally in your hands.

How does the DNR get into the first responder's hand in practice? Do you get an emergency call and drive there as fast as you can through red lights with your siren on only to be greeted by a relative that made the call handing you the DNR document?

But if the DNR turns out not to be real/legitimate

Are you responsible for validating its legitimacy while in the field, when every second counts?

[-] Fosheze@lemmy.world 11 points 3 months ago

For the first question. The responders will act exactly as if there is no DNR until you give it to them. Yes, that sometimes means wasted effort but it's better than the alternative.

For your second question, by legitimate I basically just mean that it's not written in crayon on a piece of notebook paper or something. Generally speaking the forms are pretty standard and issued by the healthcare provider. Generally you're just looking for a physicians signature and a date. Some states also allow DNR medical jewelry. The exact specifics on the DNR do vary a lot based on state and county so the local responders will know what they need for their area. As far as every second counting goes, that's why you have a whole ambulance crew.

[-] AZERTY@feddit.nl 1 points 3 months ago

You've usually planned out the end with your partner/family/caretaker if you have a DNR and they would more than likely be ready to produce your DNR (and medical history) when you need to call an ambulance or go to a hospital for any reason.

[-] Amanduh@lemm.ee 9 points 3 months ago

What if I just avoid people who look like they're dying?

[-] Lumisal@lemmy.world 4 points 3 months ago

Does it count if tattooed on their chest?

[-] Fosheze@lemmy.world 3 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

Depends on the state and county. I'm sure some county somewhere allows that. Medical jewelry is also allowed for a DNR in some states.

this post was submitted on 09 Sep 2024
660 points (100.0% liked)

Greentext

4623 readers
1458 users here now

This is a place to share greentexts and witness the confounding life of Anon. If you're new to the Greentext community, think of it as a sort of zoo with Anon as the main attraction.

Be warned:

If you find yourself getting angry (or god forbid, agreeing) with something Anon has said, you might be doing it wrong.

founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS