February 10, 2023

Towards the end of life, or even just anticipating he said in healthcare situations – the documents that apply at certain times and accomplish different things can be confusing. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand the difference between key documents.

A DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) is a medical order indicating that a person does not want cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if their heart stops or they stop breathing. A DNI (Do Not Intubate) is similar but specifies that the person does not want to be put on a machine to help with breathing.

A Living Will is a written document that specifies the types of medical treatments a person does or does not want to receive if they are unable to make those decisions for themselves. An Advanced Healthcare Directive, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive document that not only includes a person’s preferences for medical treatments but also names a trusted individual to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated.

A POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) is a medical form that is completed by a doctor and details a person’s end-of-life wishes, including resuscitation and other life-sustaining treatments. Unlike a Living Will or Advanced Healthcare Directive, a POLST is portable and recognized by emergency medical personnel, so it is easily accessible in the event of an emergency.

In conclusion, it’s important to understand the difference between these medical orders and documents to ensure that your wishes are honored and respected during a medical emergency. Having a clear and detailed understanding of these documents can provide peace of mind and help prevent confusion for both the individual and their loved ones.

If you do not have these documents or you are looking to update them, please schedule your complimentary introductory call here or call us at 732-521-9455.