Do I have the right to refuse CPR?

Blackcat99 · Apr 25, 2004

I do not have a terminal illness. However, I feel it is my right to refuse "CPR"

despite the fact that I do not have a terminal illness. Can a lawyer help me fill out the necessary paperwork? Thanks

CIRQL8 · Apr 25, 2004

I see no reason why you should not be able to fill out advanced directives and refuse CPR no matter what, when, or any circumstance. I would kkep a copy of the papers on me at all times and wear a medical alert stating to the fact.

Keep in mind, that even w/ advanced directives, present family can insist, and to err on the side of caution and avoid costly litigation, health care providers will always try to save (when in doubt...)

BUT---

why?? What if you go into arrest after chocking, and the obstruction is removed. You may be able to be resuscitated in time before any brain damage. Or V-Fib for whatever reason and there is a AED right there?? You can be converted and suffer no ill effects.

In medicine there are too many unknowns and exceptions to make a blanket rule (sometimes). (see what I mean??) Best bet is to get a healthcare power of attorney and EDUCATE THEM. Be sure they will do what YOU would want.

-Dave

This is the edit:

P.S. What about the Heimlich if you're chocking?? What about recue breathing, what if what if.. There are alot!!!

CIRQL8 · Apr 25, 2004

I see no reason why you should not be able to fill out advanced directives and refuse CPR no matter what, when, or any circumstance. I would kkep a copy of the papers on me at all times and wear a medical alert stating to the fact.

Keep in mind, that even w/ advanced directives, present family can insist, and to err on the side of caution and avoid costly litigation, health care providers will always try to save (when in doubt...)

BUT---

why?? What if you go into arrest after chocking, and the obstruction is removed. You may be able to be resuscitated in time before any brain damage. Or V-Fib for whatever reason and there is a AED right there?? You can be converted and suffer no ill effects.

In medicine there are too many unknowns and exceptions to make a blanket rule (sometimes). (see what I mean??) Best bet is to get a healthcare power of attorney and EDUCATE THEM. Be sure they will do what YOU would want.

-Dave

This is the edit:

P.S. What about the Heimlich if you're chocking?? What about recue breathing, what if what if.. There are alot!!!

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Apr 25, 2004

I made myself a DNR after my first code years ago. I had to do CPR on an 89-year-old lady, and as we all know, properly performed compressions and 89-year-old ribs do not mix well. The patient survived the code only to be hooked up to a ventilator, strapped down and sedated for what turned out to be two weeks before she finally defied her family's wishes and passed away. I decided right then and there that NO WAY was I ever going to allow myself to be put through such indignities, and I put together my advanced directive with my family's and my doctor's blessings.

Of course, do not resuscitate DOESN'T mean do not treat, and if I'm not actually dead and there's half a shot at some quality of life with treatment, by all means give it to me! But man, if I'm gone, let me STAY gone.......don't try to bring me back with shocks or fracture my ribs so I'm in pain or hook me up to some machine that requires me to be tied down so I can't pull out the tubes, or turn myself over in bed, or even clean up after myself. That's no life........it's not even an existence........and I'd rather be elsewhere, thank you.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Apr 25, 2004

I made myself a DNR after my first code years ago. I had to do CPR on an 89-year-old lady, and as we all know, properly performed compressions and 89-year-old ribs do not mix well. The patient survived the code only to be hooked up to a ventilator, strapped down and sedated for what turned out to be two weeks before she finally defied her family's wishes and passed away. I decided right then and there that NO WAY was I ever going to allow myself to be put through such indignities, and I put together my advanced directive with my family's and my doctor's blessings.

Of course, do not resuscitate DOESN'T mean do not treat, and if I'm not actually dead and there's half a shot at some quality of life with treatment, by all means give it to me! But man, if I'm gone, let me STAY gone.......don't try to bring me back with shocks or fracture my ribs so I'm in pain or hook me up to some machine that requires me to be tied down so I can't pull out the tubes, or turn myself over in bed, or even clean up after myself. That's no life........it's not even an existence........and I'd rather be elsewhere, thank you.

elkpark · Apr 25, 2004

The answer to your question may vary from state to state ... A local attorney would be able to answer your questions and assist you with any paperwork.

elkpark · Apr 25, 2004

The answer to your question may vary from state to state ... A local attorney would be able to answer your questions and assist you with any paperwork.

Trauma Columnist · Apr 25, 2004

Gosh and here I'm thinking to myself - do whatever. Of course, like all of the above posters, I'm in good health! I would want to be a full code unless I had a terminal illness.

Trauma Columnist · Apr 25, 2004

Gosh and here I'm thinking to myself - do whatever. Of course, like all of the above posters, I'm in good health! I would want to be a full code unless I had a terminal illness.

Blackcat99 · Apr 25, 2004

:) Thanks everyone for your great insights. I watched my Dad suffer on a ventilator for almost a month. He did finally get weaned off of it. However, my Dad died anyway a month later. My worst nightmare fears would be waking up someday in ICU and having a ventilator,NG tube and colostomy in place.

Blackcat99 · Apr 25, 2004

:) Thanks everyone for your great insights. I watched my Dad suffer on a ventilator for almost a month. He did finally get weaned off of it. However, my Dad died anyway a month later. My worst nightmare fears would be waking up someday in ICU and having a ventilator,NG tube and colostomy in place.