Widow's tattoo states dying wish

MY FRIENDS AND I HAVE ALL MADE A PACT THAT IF WE BECOME INCAPACITATED IN ANY WAY WE WILL HONOUR THE DNR WISHES. WE WILL ALSO HELP EACH OTHER DIE IN A DIGNIFIED MANNER ( LITTLE EXTRA MORPHINE HEAR AND THERE) IF YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN.

I think if they had DNR tattoo'd on their CHEST, that they knew exactly what they were asking for and would respect their wishes.

In the early days of resuscitation the definition of a cardiac arrest was a "Sudden and unexpected cessation of cardiac output". This allowed us to differentiate between an expected death and a cardiac arrest. Over the years the opposite has become accepted where now all are resuscitated unless the person has laid in place a quite complex legal wish for the opposite.

What bugs me is cases where the possibility has never been discussed with the family. Had one in ICU the other week cerebral palsy - very limited ability 24 hour care unknown mental capacity severely distorted body. Resused in ED with ETT down - then of course must ventilate. His chest was abnormal in shape, he was on hiw umpteenth aspiration pneumonia despite feeding via a PEG.

Relatives though were shocked and had never considered that he might coem to the point of requiring resuscitation. No-one had ever discussed what we should do in event of deterioration. Shouldn't the doctors who normally see this kid have discussed resuscitation at some time?

How about having the pt's doc and two lawyers sign/tattoo their signatures under the DNR tattoo, AND having DNR/advanced directives on file at an attourney's office?

Would that make the tattoo legally binding?

Any LNCs care to comment?

It is funny that years and years ago, we all joked on night shift about getting DNR tattooed on our bods somewhere and some 85 yr old Granny had the guts to actually do it!

And it is not just the well meaning family that foul up the advanced directive papers...sometimes it is not clearly documented on a chart. I was involved with that once...fortunate for me the patient was greatful that my CNA cam and told me that she was extremely bradicardic and that I administered atropine to brought her back. Her cardiologist was not so understanding and read me the riot act for giving the atropine. When we explained why the advanced directive was not honoured he then went after the ward clerk....however the woman went on to change her stance on her advanced directive and recinded it, which made the cardiologist mad....makes me wonder if she was pressured into signing a DNR that she did not want.

Christie

I guess wearing a DNR bracelet wouldn't make a difference? If it was only issued to those who have written documentation? Just a thought since I feel you have a right to choose your outcome.

I wonder if she could get a notary seal tattooed on there as well to make it legal???

Well it may not be a legal document, but I don't think anyone is going to accidentally have DNR tatted on their chest. Yes, they should have the legal documents all in place, but at least that is a little heads up if you don't have your papers with you, or in the case of DH's Grand dad, they get misplaced on the chart, and they forget to armband him, and they forget to put the sticker on the front of the chart.....

I seriously thought about getting a tattoo on my belly stating "Don't forget to donate my organs"

It sure would make the job of asking my family a lot easier eh?

Speaking of tatoos...does anyone know anything about tatoo removal. I hate mine!