Kids DNR

[CGFD37]

I was wondering what the rules are for DNR advance directives for kids. We noticed a kid at a local school with a DNR bracelet. I didn't know that DNRs were givin to kid excepet in terminal illness cases. maybe i'm wrong, can anyone help clarify? Thanks!

 

[ffemt8978]

Is a DNR braclet legally binding in your area, because in ours the originals of the paperwork is the only thing that's legally valid.

Interesting question, though.

 

[MariaCatEMT]

Is a DNR braclet legally binding in your area, because in ours the originals of the paperwork is the only thing that's legally valid.

Interesting question, though.

Same here.

 

[Raf]

It depends on the area, but usually an adult can request one at any time for himself. In order to request one however, you must "have the mental capacity to make informed decisions". I don't know how a kid would get one though, considering they can't make informed decisions for themselves. That's like saying a kid knows whether or not he wants to have sex.

I know that some branches of christianity (and maybe some other religions) do not believe in medical care. Perhaps if this is present in your area the law allows parents to request DNR bracelets for their children. That's just what I'm guessing, no facts here.

 

[JJR512]

Is a DNR braclet legally binding in your area, because in ours the originals of the paperwork is the only thing that's legally valid.

Interesting question, though.

In MD, copies are also valid.

 

[Jon]

in PA, there is a braclet availible.

It might also be a religious belief thing, or the kid is REALLY friggin' sick.

 

[TTLWHKR]

Never seen one

 

[MedicPrincess]

. I don't know how a kid would get one though, considering they can't make informed decisions for themselves. That's like saying a kid knows whether or not he wants to have sex.

The kid is not the one making the choice. Same reason why a child/minor does not need a Living Will/Advance Directive in Florida.

Technically.....Who really cares what the child wants....the parents make the medical decisions for that child, so they get to make the decision as to how much and what kind of life sustaining measure are to be taken for their child.

I cannot imagine a DR just arbitrarily signing a DNR for a child though. Kid must have something going on that makes him have it.

We cannot honor a bracelet in Florida. Only a paper DNR, on that baby poop yellow paper. Not white paper. Not blue. Pink. Or Green. Baby Poop Yellow. Anything else in invalid (technically/legally).

 

[ffemt8978]

I cannot imagine a DR just arbitrarily signing a DNR for a child though. Kid must have something going on that makes him have it.

There's always the possibility that the kid is wearing it as a piece of "cool" jewelry and doesn't know what it means.

 

[Chimpie]

There's always the possibility that the kid is wearing it as a piece of "cool" jewelry and doesn't know what it means.

That would truly suck if something happened to the kid in a state where the braclet actually meant something.

 

[TTLWHKR]

That would truly suck if something happened to the kid in a state where the braclet actually meant something.

Wonder is that would hold up in court?

 

[Jon]

Wonder is that would hold up in court?

If they were wearing a State-approved DNR band (the blue hospital band thingy)... If they meet the requirements by law, and the provider does what (s)he had been trained to do.

 

[Raf]

I don't even know if we have DNR bracelets/forms here in Mass. I was never taught about them so I don't think we do. Plus we're pretty liberal over here...not too many serious christians (which is mainly the only reason why you would get one)

 

[Ridryder911]

I don't even know if we have DNR bracelets/forms here in Mass. I was never taught about them so I don't think we do. Plus we're pretty liberal over here...not too many serious christians (which is mainly the only reason why you would get one)

What does Chrsitainity have to do DNR ?.. DNR is for patient's that request no resuscitation measures is to be made on them in the case of Cardiac Arrest. This is in agreemanet with their PCP or specialist. I am not aware of a state, that allows a DNR without prior certification of a physician. Even in most hospitals they have to be up-dated every so many hours to be valid. Again this does not mean no treatment at all, just resuscitation measures ONLY. This should not be confused with the "Living Will". For details of no food water, advanced medical directives, medical procedures to extend life.

Pediatrics can have a DNR, but I doubt that there is a case unless of terminal illness. Withthis type of illness, I would assume all staff would be abreast of the situation for legal and moral purposes. Even with religous beliefs, courts usually find in the favor of the child.. Most Christians actually believe in the opposite; and continuaton of medical care within reason.

Be safe,
R/r 911

 

[CGFD37]

the reason i ask is becuase in wisconsin we have to honor a DNR patient, the bracelet is leagally binding. the person how spotted it was my old EMS director so i'm pretty sure that its not just a piece of cool jewlery. as with older patients, in the event of cardiac arrest,we are not to resuscitate the patient. the are almost always in very ill patients, which is why im concerned. if the kid is that terminaly ill, usually a kid like that would not be in school. just curious if we were to attempt to work a pt. like that or not. instinct would tell me yes, but the law sometimes goes against instinct.

 

[nsmedic393]

I LOVE CANADIA

No bracelet, no pick or yellow or blue paper. I don't need to see it. If you tell me it exists that good enough. If you tell me that your loved one who is asystole on the floor would not want me thumping and pumping on them thats good enough.

I hate hearing about american legalise.:wacko:

 

[ffemt8978]

I LOVE CANADIA

No bracelet, no pick or yellow or blue paper. I don't need to see it. If you tell me it exists that good enough. If you tell me that your loved one who is asystole on the floor would not want me thumping and pumping on them thats good enough.

I hate hearing about american legalise.:wacko:

And I would hate to be the vicitim on the floor in cardiac arrest with one of my "relatives" telling you that I don't want to be saved.

 

[EMTBSmokeMonkey]

And I would hate to be the vicitim on the floor in cardiac arrest with one of my "relatives" telling you that I don't want to be saved.

QUOTED FOR TRUTH!

last thing i want to be a victim of is my wife when she's in a bad mood. not to say she would do that to me but still...

 

[MedicPrincess]

I LOVE CANADIA

If you tell me that your loved one who is asystole on the floor would not want me thumping and pumping on them thats good enough.

So what do you guys do if mom is laying on the floor in asystole and one kid is saying "Please save my mommy!" and the other is saying "Mom didn't want CPR."

 

[nsmedic393]

So what do you guys do if mom is laying on the floor in asystole and one kid is saying "Please save my mommy!" and the other is saying "Mom didn't want CPR."

Obviously err on the side of caution and work the arrest. However if the family is doing the sobbing huddle, talking about how he lived a long life and how he would be happy to go peacefully I am going to respect his and their wishes.

This doesn't apply to the 40y/o with no hx that collapsed while eating breakfast, obviously you have to use your discretion. I can't imagine having to tell somebody's 80 y/o wife that I need to break all her husbands ribs and shove a tube into every orifice despite his/her wishes. Thats cruel.

Please keep in mind our legal, medical services are very different from yours. What may be routine for you is quite different on the other side of the fence.