I just read a post here where some one said, "but in the USA all you have to do is pin a paper with "do not resuscitate" written on it to your body, and you won't be taken to the hospital and kept alive (out of fear of being sued for going against your wishes.)" Anyone know if this is true at all in the us?
I believe this is true unless someone close to you or your family members keep you alive or on life support against your will
Suicidebydeath
No chances to be happy - dead inside
- Nov 25, 2021
- 3,559
What to Do When a Patient Has a 'Do Not Resuscitate' Tattoo
“We’ve always joked about this, but holy crap, this man actually did it.”
Interesting story about someone with a signed "DNR" tattoo. The team that found him erred on the side of caution and took partial measures to resuscitate while seeking advice. The story does not reveal the wishes of the person with the tattoo at the end or how it panned out.
Official DNR forms must be followed in US, however someone can argue that they don't apply in suicide cases, and only in cases of natural death. They do so at their own risk, though. It's considered assault to perform aggressive resuscitation in the case of an official DNR form.
I think there's a good chance that DNR in a suicide case could be ignored, and the team reviving will say they didn't find anything. Especially if you're young.
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enough of this
Specialist
- Jun 4, 2023
- 378
Most likely, you would also have to sign and date the note. That would make it legal.
I wear a "Do Not Resuscitate" bracelet anytime I'm out of the house.
I have "DNR" signed and dated, in huge letters taped to my refrigerator.
Whoever finds me in the house would surely see it when they come in.
I didnt know you could get a bracelet for that is it sold by those companies who make those medical bracelets for allergies and what not (people who are deathly allergic to peanut butter, shellfish, etc.) ?
John Ryder
"You're a smart kid...you'll figure it out."
- Jul 7, 2023
- 334
Verbatim from PPH:
"If an ambulance is called, paramedics will try to resuscitate an unconscious person. They are under no obligation to consider any documentation at the scene. While leaving a suicide note or DNR might make one's intentions clear, emergency personnel will carry on regardless. Resuscitation will be conducted even if your AHD states clearly this isn't what you want. They will say these issues can be sorted out at the hospital"
Don't shoot the messenger (actually do)
"If an ambulance is called, paramedics will try to resuscitate an unconscious person. They are under no obligation to consider any documentation at the scene. While leaving a suicide note or DNR might make one's intentions clear, emergency personnel will carry on regardless. Resuscitation will be conducted even if your AHD states clearly this isn't what you want. They will say these issues can be sorted out at the hospital"
Don't shoot the messenger (actually do)
Techef
Student
- Jun 19, 2023
- 124
In the US, it's like what's written in PPH - emergency response will resuscitate and take you to hospital. DNRs or advance directives get sorted out after admission to hospital. Even at hospital, they'll assume suicidal patient wrote DNR/advance directive under influence of mental illness, thus allowing them to override it because they'll consider DNR/advance directive wasn't made with clear mind. I've heard of cases where family or loved ones with power of attorney threatened to sue (basically they knew patient wanted to CTB and wanted to respect their wishes), and even then it's difficult, as hospitals will get their lawyers involved, etc.
I'd assume this. Once you are deemed "mentally ill" unfortunately your rights vanish and you are treated much much worse.
