The Last Word
It is of interest to note that after reading an article in the New York Times, Hawaii passed a law stating the medical professional may decide if a “do not resuscitate order” should be carried out. It is usually a “do not resuscitate" order for a reason, this is the wish of the patient. Although this law was passed, I believe that if a medical professional does not respect the wish of a patient, there will be trials to determine if the decision is ethical.
When a person has an advance directive and does not want to be resuscitated, there should be specific guidelines. I don’t want to suffer through a terminal illness for years, however if I am in a car accident with a medical necklace or bracelet that says do not resuscitate and surgery may save my life, then by all means resuscitate me. This may be one of the times when the medical provider may intervene and speak with a family member and educate them on the prognosis if surgery is done.
Education is the key in understanding advance directives and there are times when a person may make a decision and not be totally aware of what the facts involved. It is our duty as health care providers to explain this to all of our patients when they come to our offices or facilities. Do you feel comfortable not resuscitating a person knowing that the may not have been properly informed when their decision was made.
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