Just tattoo DNR on my chest. . . it's been done!

[TiffyRN, BSN, PhD]

How long have we joked about this? Here is a local article about people using tattoos essentially as medic-alert bracelets.

"One of the most dramatic tattoos, Zavadsky says, was a Do Not Resuscitate on a patient's chest."

[lrobinson5]

I am sure someone will sue the medics that follow the order on the tattoo.

[TiffyRN, BSN, PhD]

"He does add that the paramedics still require documentation beyond the tattoo."

Texas was one of the first States that allowed a out-of-hospital DNRs that patients could keep with them so they wouldn't have to be afraid to call 911 if they needed to go to the hospital, but still wanted to not be resuscitated.

But even in the absence of such documentation, I think if a team was involved in a code while they stared that that "Do Not Resuscitate", they probably wouldn't make it one of those 45 min-1hr resuscitations where they run every protocol on the current and past ACLS.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

I was thinking about doing this but was told that it would need a doctor's signature to be valid. I'm not sure if that's true or not,but it sure is a good idea!

[MomRN0913]

I read this today, even posted it to my FB wall. I always said I would do that. No mistaking those wishes.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

I once worked with male nurse who had that done---D.N.R. tattooed in inch-high, dark blue letters right over his heart.

Still think the bright pink piece of paper that lives on my Frigidaire and has my PCP's signature on it is a better bet though. :)

[GitanoRN, BSN, MSN, RN]

i have to add my to this post, a month ago we received a pt. at er unconscious, however, on his chest it stated "no blood products" .:redlight:

[That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Even better I had a Medic friend that had Place pads here on his chest.

[Sehille4774]

It could work if it was done in a universal way....meaning, the Govt or some agency would create a specific symbol and location for the Tattoo....and then do the necessary PR work so that all need to know medical personal would know what to look for and where to look. Actually sounds like a GREAT and time saving idea.

You obviously could Never just look for someone's DNR tattoo that they got on their own and assume that just because you see that it is intended to communicate that they do not want to be resusitated. DNR could be a loved ones initials.

[Sehille4774]

CapeCod: Get the MD signature tatted on your chest too, ROFL.

[MattNurse, MSN, RN]

permanent decision

[Entropic]

Along the same vein, before my husband got his insulin pump which pretty well IDs him to medical personnel as a diabetic, he got a tattoo on his arm that identifies him as a type 1 diabetic. Underneath it says "see wallet" because that's where he keeps the card with his PCP phone number, medications, etc. Have yall run across any of those? It's been kind of handy for him. He has a knack for losing medic alert bracelets.

Also, first post. Yay me.