DNR – Do Not Resuscitate
A Do Not Resuscitate order has two usual purposes
First, if the patient has not signed a health care power of attorney and the patient is close to death, the family may request a DNR. This means, basically, that if the patient’s condition worsens, the medical staff will not take any extra measure to resuscitate the patient. Of course, this puts the burden on the patient’s family instead of the patient being the one to make the decision. Also, a DNR is not a request to remove medical treatment, just not to provide additional treatment.
Second, a Do Not Resuscitate order for emergency services can be made for a patient by the patient or by the person with authority to make medical decisions if:
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the patient has a terminal condition and
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the terminal condition has been diagnosed by a health care provider and the health care provider's record establishes the time, date, and medical condition which gives rise to the diagnosis of a terminal condition
The Do Not Resuscitate order for emergency services allows EMS to not give extra medical attention in the event they are called, but they must be made aware of the existence of this order.
It is quite possible that a patient will have a healthcare power of attorney, a living will, and a do not resuscitate order for emergency services. Each of these documents performs a different service and meets a different need.