A do not resuscitate (DNR) order has one specific use. It is a legally binding directive signed by a physician at the request of a patient to inform medical personnel that a patient wishes not to be resuscitated when cardiac arrest occurs or when breathing stops. By and large, DNRs are included in wills when individuals are suffering from chronic or terminal illnesses. Some examples are heart or lung ailments that may call for the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in an emergency.
People Have Requests on How They Pass On
The most common reason to include DNRs in wills is that individuals recognize their bodies are unlikely to completely recover from a resuscitation attempt. They no longer wish to be revived out of concern that the application of CPR may be ineffective. It could even result in bodily harm, brain damage, or long-term physical impairment. They do not want this type of situation to happen.
When CPR is administered to elderly or extremely ill patients, it leaves a lot of damage behind. Their bodies are often not able to get back to normal after being deprived of blood flow for minutes or even seconds. The probability that individuals will survive only to remain in a comatose state or be paralyzed for a long period of time is high in such cases. CPR also most often leads to bruises and broken ribs or even lacerated organs. In addition, ventilator machines are applied to breathe for patients, potentially harming the vocal cords and lungs. Finally, CPR recipients need a period of further treatment to undo excessive acid buildup in the body from oxygen deprivation. Then, they need to recover from the injuries resulting from the resuscitation attempt.
Letting People Know Your Wishes Makes a Big Difference
Would you want to be resuscitated if you understood the high probability that CPR would cause bodily damage and possibly lead to life in a coma? Most people would opt for a relatively quick and hopefully painless passing instead. That is what a DNR provides.
Learn more about how to create a DNR. Let us answer your questions regarding how to have this form added to your will. Contact the experienced attorneys at Bell & Shaw Law, LLC today to discuss your situation more fully.
