DNR tattoos...

Double_G · May 02, 2008, 12:07 PM

Re: DNR tattoos...

I have a Do Not Resuscitate tattoo.
I got it after coding a 67 YOM, down for 17 minutes before CPR was started, by FD before I arrived. He was in a systole for 40 minutes. When we arrived at the ER, he had a pulse of 90 and a BP of 130 on a dopamine drip. Three hours later he was dead with bilateral chest tubes and multiple broken ribs. He should not have been worked. He was dead. Leave him alone.
IMHO, we work far to many codes. We treat our pets better than the elderly. Would you let your pet suffer for months or even years? How many people have you seen, that are full codes, that would literally break apart with the brutality of pointless CPR?

I have been in EMS for 12 years. I have coded more people than I care to remember. I am in VA, and my tattoo cannot be honored. However a DNR bracelet can be honored. How do you know it is my bracelet?
I plan to get a Doc to sign and date my tattoo on my 50th birthday. I have had several agree to do this.
I am serious about my tattoo. If you code me, I had better have full function or not enough function to call a lawyer.

*canoehead* · May 02, 2008, 01:10 PM

Re: DNR tattoos...

A DNR bracelet can be honored? True?

I've got paperwork on file, but between a code, and finding the paperwork, comes a lot of uncertainty. A bracelet would be cool.

aeauooo · May 02, 2008, 01:35 PM

Re: DNR tattoos...

Originally Posted by MerdalRN

My soon to be hubby came home the other day with DNR tattooed midline center chest...

Alright, let's cut to the chase: how do you feel about marrying a guy with tattoos? Does your mother know your fiance is tattooed?

blueheaven · May 02, 2008, 06:13 PM

Re: DNR tattoos...

I currently live in MD and you have to have a special bracelet and the paperwork to be DNR. My dad always threatened to get DNR tatooed on his chest and threatened to come back and haunt us if we coded him-LOL. He had asbestosis and knew once he was vented, he would never come off of it. (He lived in WVA)

**madwife2002** · May 02, 2008, 06:19 PM

Re: DNR tattoos...

I love the idea of a bracelet, I am sure that would be a hge money making idea if anybody could get it sanctioned

grace90 · May 03, 2008, 11:34 PM

Re: DNR tattoos...

Originally Posted by Double_G

I How many people have you seen, that are full codes, that would literally break apart with the brutality of pointless CPR?
I plan to get a Doc to sign and date my tattoo on my 50th birthday. I have had several agree to do this.
I am serious about my tattoo. If you code me, I had better have full function or not enough function to call a lawyer.

I like your plan of having a doc sign and date your tattoo. I plan to get a DNR tattoo on my arm or chest.

if I'm not all 'home' don't break my bones

singleprego · Jun 22, 2008, 11:36 PM

Re: DNR tattoos...

That would be tough for me. I suppose if I were first on the scene of a MVA and a shirt were torn and I saw a big "DO NOT RESCUSITATE" written on his/her chest, I would only honor it if it had the word "PLEASE," before it.....

*talaxandra* · Jun 22, 2008, 11:59 PM

Re: DNR tattoos...

It's not a legal document but it's a pretty clear statement of intent!

RNsRWe · Jun 23, 2008, 09:07 AM

Re: DNR tattoos...

Having trouble picturing someone getting a "DNR" tattoo that large on one's torso without going through the short list of inquiries that would have told him it was NOTHING. Some ink on his chest that would NOT stop anyone from trying to jump-start him.

Three letters tattooed on someone's torso and he expects it to be taken as a legal directive?? I can see the family now: "Do Not Resusitate? NO! That stood for his ex-girlfriend's initials!!"

Live and learn. Get a real document, signed and dated. And then ask your fiance how he could do something like that without the courtesy of discussing it with you first!

*Jules A* · Jun 23, 2008, 12:36 PM

Re: DNR tattoos...

Originally Posted by queenjean

I suppose it *might* be helpful if, in smaller letters under DNR, his tattoo said:

"See legal paperwork, left upper drawer of desk in office on main floor of house on 1403 S. 18th St, XXXXX, NY. Note paperwork already on file at XXXX Hospital."

I can understand the sentiment, completely. I've often thought of that myself (tounge in cheek, mostly). I personally would NEVER honor a DNR tattoo, but if I assessed a pt and saw that on him, you can bet your sweet bum I would be triple checking all charts and with family members to look for his DNR paperwork, and if I couldn't find it I'd be getting with the social worker for a consult (ASAP if he was circling the drain).

Great idea to add info about where to find the paperwork. Even if it were legal with it on the chest their shirt isn't always ripped off before starting compressions, might be better on the chin, lol. I'm much more worried about being intubated rather than the often futile CPR anyway.

For the OP if he is truly serious about this, and I know a tatoo seems serious but he really needs the paper work or that in itself would speak volumes to me.

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DNR tattoos...

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