Alzheimer's Blogging: Alzheimer's Blog:

I thought I would talk you today about DNR, which means Do Not Resuscitate.

A DNR is an advance directive which is requesting not to have cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if your heart stops or you stop breathing. For example: If you have terminal cancer and you decide you don't want to be put on a respirator if you stop breathing. Your loved one will see you stop breathing and call 911. The fire crew and EMS crew will show up and if you have the DNR paper they will not start compressions. Instead they will check for you to make sure their is not pulse and breathing and let the person die in peace.



•EMS WILL suction the airway, administer oxygen, position for comfort, splint or immobilize, control bleeding, provide pain medication, provide emotional support, and contact other appropriate health care providers.

•EMS WILL NOT administer chest compressions, insert an artificial airway, administer resuscitate drugs, defibrillate or cardiovert, provide respiratory assistance (other than suctioning the airway and administering oxygen), initiate resuscitate IV, or initiate cardiac monitoring.

There are different kinds of DNR orders. DNR comfort care - DNR comfort care arrest - DNR specified. Talk to your Physician and find out what is best for you.

The paper at home is orange colored with your signature and Physician's signature and a witness signature. Usually it is kept on the refrigerator so it is easy to spot if you call 911.

DNR orders may be written for patients in a hospital or nursing home, or for patients at home. Hospital DNR orders tell the medical staff not to revive the patient if cardiac arrest occurs. If the patient is in a nursing home or at home, a DNR order tells the staff and emergency medical personnel not to perform emergency resuscitation and not to transfer the patient to a hospital for CPR.

I hope this helps you with the end of Alzheimer's and how to manage. This action helps with peace of mind for you and the one dying and lets the one dying have control over their death.

Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com