When should emergency responders honor a "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) order?

Emergency responders should honor a "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) order when the patient has a valid DNR. A valid DNR order is a legally recognized document that indicates a patient’s wishes to forgo resuscitative efforts in the event of cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. It is important for responders to adhere to this directive to respect patient autonomy and their right to make informed decisions about their own care.

A valid DNR must meet specific criteria, such as being signed by a physician and being in accordance with local laws and regulations. When a valid DNR is presented, it serves as clear evidence of the patient's wishes, and responders have a legal and ethical obligation to follow it.

In contrast, requests from family members do not supersede a valid DNR, and resuscitation should not be attempted based solely on family wishes if a valid DNR is in place. Responders must also assess the situation carefully; if a patient is unconscious, the presence of a valid DNR must be verified before making any assumptions, as their wishes would take precedence over attempts to resuscitate. Additionally, subjective judgments by responders alone do not dictate the enforcement of a DNR order; it must always be followed if valid documentation is available