Guys, I need your help (as usual). My family has a situation with one of our family members who is really going down hill and wishes to have a DNR in place. Is there a site that I could print off a form that we could fill out or do we have to go through his doctor or lawyer? This is a matter of urgency; thanks so much.

Is this family member in the hospital currently? If so, all that is usually necessary is to inform the doctor, and they will provide the necessary forms.

Is the family member in Ohio? In Ohio there are two choices:
DNR Comfort Care-Arrest Order - All normal care will be provided, up until CPR is necessary.
DNR Comfort Care Order - Care (besides "comfort care") stops at some point before breathing stops.

From what I read, in Ohio, a DNR can only be done with a doctor. A living will, however, can be done with witnesses, and, if the person's heart stops and the doctor is given the living will, it is enough for them to create a DNR. If possible, it is probably best to fill go through a doctor, because they will be able to discuss the options of when care should stop, beacuse they will usually be able to get a bracelet for him/her that EMTs are trained to look for before starting CPR, and because a living will must meet all the requirements of state law, which can be difficult without an attorney.

Methos is right on.

Plus it depends where you are. If your family member is in the hospital, (in pa at least) you can have social services take care of the paperwork. Or the doctor can write the order immediately. There are more levels of care than just the two methos pointed out. Some people want everything done, except put on a ventilator, or maybe they want just cardiac medications. Some people actually want all life support stopped, or no new life support measures.

If this person is at home, your best bet is to first make the doctor aware, and then there are forms that can be filled out. I got living will forms in Walmart, but they do have to be notarized to be legal.

No, Guys, he's not in the hospital. He's at home and using an oxygen tank. Things seem to be getting worse. Isn't there something that one can have at home that instructs paramedics not to resusciate if you stop breathing there? Also he lives in Kentucky and already has a living will. Thanks.

Kelly, I hope that this can be of some help to you.

Thanks, girlfriend. Just wonder if this is different from state to state as this form is for Arizona. Anyone? Sid, are you out there?
Really appreciate everyone's help!

Yes, it varies from state to state. For example, Ohio has those two choices for DNR forms, any other choices are covered by a living will. Most states have only one DNR form, as other care, which may or may not be wanted, is not resuscitation. Some states have standardized DNR forms, others do not. Some states (such as Ohio) require a doctor to approve the actual DNR order, others do not.

The Kentucky DNR form is here. The instructions are on the second page. In Kentucky, you either have to have it notarized or signed by two witnesses who are not related to the person, but no doctor or lawyer is necessary. The Kentucky form is like most states in that the Do-Not-Resuscitate form covers exactly that and not any other care. If you attach the section at the bottom of the form to a bracelet, EMTs will know not to administer CPR.

Thanks, Methos --- you always come through. You are too kind.

I know that in our region, EMT's automatically give CPR regardless of the DNR status of the patient if ambulance is called to take someone to the hospital.

Good work, Methos, and good luck Kelley!

Kelley, it would be a good idea to see a lawyer for this form. You can technically use one that you get on-line, but if you are concerned about making sure it is legal and that it is followed, you should have a lawyer take care of it. That way, you KNOW the form is right, and that it's been done right.

Sherasi mentioned EMTs being required to perform CPR in her area, but that is not the case everywhere. I know that here, if a person has a DNR, the EMTs canNOT perform CPR or do anything, because that would be against the patient's wishes.
Of course, the EMTs shouldn't really be called out when a person has a DNR, either...

So, if your relative is at home when he passes and his family members are aware of his wishes, no one should be calling the paramedics to respond anyway. And they shouldn't be called if the person has the DNR, because that is a huge waste of resources and manpower.

But, definitely get the form at least checked by a lawyer -and make sure you don't need a different form in case he goes to a hospital or hospice or whatever. That might be the case in some states.

Thanks, everyone --- you guys are the best!

Having the DNR at home is a good idea (if allowed in your state). My husband's great-grandfather fell at the age of 101 and stopped breathing. Because there was no DNR at home the EMTs had to resusitate him. He hung on for two more years but his quality of life after that stank (before he'd been almost totally independant, and after he was unable to even walk or breath on his own).

It's really important for everyone to have their wishes on paper, even if you aren't old or sick. Everyone should have a Revocable Living Will or Advanced Directive. Hopefully nothing will ever happen to any of us, but what a horror if a car accident or something leaves you on machines for the rest of your life. Some people live on those machines 20 or more years. Make your wishes known, and get it in writing!