- Summary
The key learning points for decisions relating to resuscitation are:
- In the event of cardiac arrest, CPR should be started promptly and effectively
- If a valid advance decision refusing CPR has been made, do not attempt CPR
- When CPR is considered futile i.e. It will not re-start the heart and breathing, CPR is not appropriate
- If continuing CPR will not be successful, make the decision to stop
- Decisions relating to CPR should be made carefully, recorded fully and communicated effectively
- Decisions relating to CPR should not prevent patients from receiving any other treatment needed
References
- See chapter 16 of the ALS manual for further reading about decisions relating to resuscitation
- Joint statement about decisions relating to cardiopulmonary resuscitation published by the British Medical Association (BMA), the Resuscitation Council (UK) and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) http://www.resus.org.uk/pages/dnar.htm
- The Resuscitation Council (UK) guidance on the legal status of those who attempt resuscitation http://www.resus.org.uk/pages/legal.htm
- The General Medical Council (GMC) guidance on treatment and care towards the end of life: good practice in decision making www.gmc-uk.org/guidance/ethical_guidance/end_of_life_care.asp
Essentials: Model DNAR forms
Follow this link to see the recommended standards for recording 'Do not attempt resuscitation' (DNAR) decisions and the model DNAR forms www.resus.org.uk/pages/dnarrstd.htm
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