Do You Really Need a “Do Not Resuscitate Order?"
It’s the million dollar question. To resuscitate or not? In my experience, I find many people interested in this topic, with strong feelings on one spectrum or the other. A lot of confusion exists with respect to the practicalities of the “Do Not Resuscitate Order.” How will anyone find it, even if I do sign one? Will anyone know it exists? If I’m jogging in the park, and something happens, how will the doctors know about my wishes?
The Practicalities of the “Do Not Resuscitate Order."
In reality, a “do not resuscitate” order finds its most useful application with a person suffering from a long-term illness. In that situation, one should clearly express their wishes in advance, rather than leave this heart-wrenching decision to the loved ones. Loves ones often face, not only conflicting opinions, but strong guilt and indecisiveness. A Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR or DNRO) is a form developed by Florida’s Department of Health for those that do not wish to be resuscitated in the event of respiratory or cardiac arrest. I choose to no longer draft DNR’s in my law practice. Rather, I encourage my clients to print the form from the Department of Health Website (it is only valid on yellow paper!), and follow Florida law to have it formalized. Read about other Florida Advanced Directives.
For more information about “Do Not Resuscitate Orders,” please look at these helpful links below. I do not verify or confirm the information contained on these third-party links, rather, I provide this information solely as a resource. I encourage you to reach out to the Department of Health for more information. Contact Info for Department of Health
Helpful Links:
Based out of Tampa, Florida, Lori is mom to a fantastic 5-year-old boy. They love to go on local adventures, travel and play with matchbox cars for seemingly endless hours. Lori enjoys reading classic novels, organic gardening, and studying languages with her son. She considers herself well-versed in Seinfeld and welcomes any trivia!
Disclaimer: The Law Office of Lori Vella’s website contains general information directed to Florida residents. This firm does not intend to give legal advice through its pages and/or blog. If you need legal advice, we encourage you to find an attorney licensed in your state. This language on this website does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and this firm.