Do-not-resuscitate order
A do-not-resuscitate order, or DNR, is a document that tells doctors, nurses and other emergency medical staff what not to do when a person stops breathing, or when their heart rhythm is life-threatening. It can include instructions on what methods should be avoided to revive someone, such as those listed below:
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
Manual chest pressure and mouth-to-mouth breathing to circulate blood and oxygenate the lungs. - Defibrillation
Giving the heart an electric shock to bring back a normal heartbeat. - Respirator (breathing tube and machine)
Used to help with breathing in an unconscious person. - Medicine
Giving medicines to restore an effective heart rate and improve circulation of blood to major organs. The presence of a device doesn’t prevent any measures or complicate treatment that is considered appropriate according to the content of the DNR order.
The decision to have a written DNR should be made by you and your family in consultation with your doctor.
