This is part of a mini-series dedicated to providing essential information on making healthcare decisions in a format accessible to deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing individuals. 

ASL version

If you are DeafBlind or prefer to watch the video in a high contrast format, watch the DeafBlind friendlier ASL version instead. To adjust the video speed, use YouTube's playback speed tool.

English version

Hello, I’m here with you today to discuss what is a DNR - expanded to “Do Not Resuscitate”, and shortened to DNR, and how a DNR can impact you as well as your family and friends.

What is a DNR?

First, let’s review. A DNR, or “Do Not Resuscitate”, is a medical order that tells healthcare providers including doctors and nurses, that if a patient stops breathing or has no pulse, not to attempt resuscitation through cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Who decides on a DNR?

A DNR is a legal document that can be signed by either the patient, or a representative for the patient (including family, friend, relative, or lawyer). A patient who has a DNR order cannot be resuscitated should they stop breathing or have no pulse.

A doctor typically writes the DNR order after discussion with the patient about the benefits and risks of resuscitation through CPR.

A DNR order can be written into a person’s living will. This allows the patient to decide on the healthcare treatment to receive should an emergency occur, rather than have the family or friends make the decision for them.

Why would a patient decide on a DNR order?

If the patient has a documented history of illness or injury that could affect their survival rate after CPR attempts, they may elect to have a DNR order in place to avoid prolonged survival.

Some of the reasons a patient may choose to decide on a DNR may include the following:

• Terminal Illness: This may include terminal illness where there is no cure,
• Quality of Life for the patient, where the patient deems that the adverse conditions outweigh the benefits of living,
• Long-term healthcare where the patient is dependent on life support devices, and so on. The patient deems it better to not be resuscitated should they stop breathing or no longer have a pulse.

Can a DNR be revoked?

If a healthcare provider has already written out a DNR for a patient under their care, then the family, friends, or legal representatives of the patient cannot revoke an existing DNR in place. However, the physician, the patient, or the patient’s healthcare agent can elect to override a DNR set in place.

Credits

The Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind & Hard of Hearing thanks:
Regina Daniels for ASL talent.
Judy Mermelstein for voiceover.
Keystone Interpreting Solutions for film production.

Note: By law, in an emergency, EMS and other healthcare professionals cannot follow the treatment wishes that are included in a person's healthcare directive. If EMS arrives at someone's house and they find the person not breathing, they must provide CPR, even if a family member says the person does not want CPR. It is worth considering a POLST form for people who are very sick or frail, which will be explained in a future video.