DNR in the Forces

[Pandora]

Is there such a thing as having a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order in your personnel records in the Forces as you might have on your medical files in the civilian world?

Topic close to home, and it occurred to me just now that as Special Forces members you may not have that choice as an option, even in the case of long term illnesses that may be debilitating or incurable, as long as you are still on the Government payroll.

[Team Sergeant]

I did when I went off to Desert Storm. I filled out a living will just for that reason.

The Team Sergeant

[Pandora]

Relieved that you guys get the choice.


Thanks for the response.

[Team Sergeant]

I didn’t want my family having to make those decisions had something happened to me.
It’s a good feeling knowing I’ve relived them of that burden. Hope that helped.

TS

[NousDefionsDoc]

We wouldn't do it anyway, it causes delays in dividing up the gear.

[Pandora]

The pragmatist in me is saying, "Good point."

The rest of me is headed straight to hell and laughing. (No disrespect meant, just an appreciation for Dark Humor).

Great contrast you've raised, NDD. "Dividing up the gear," in the SF world makes sense and is such a necessary reality check that is so far removed from petty battles over Aunt Mabel's roll-top desk.

I'll pre-qualify my next question by stating I am pro-euthanasia in many medical circumstances. With that on the table, do you think the Hippocratic Oath should be adhered to 100% faithfully in the field?

[NousDefionsDoc]

Which part?

[Pandora]

You're a med-head, you dissect it.

[Pandora]

Subjective selections:


Classic:

I will neither give a deadly drug to anybody who asked for it, nor will I make a suggestion to this effect.

Contemporary:

I will apply, for the benefit of the sick, all measures which are required, avoiding those twin traps of overtreatment and therapeutic nihilism.

I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon's knife or the chemist's drug.

I will remember that I do not treat a fever chart, a cancerous growth, but a sick human being, whose illness may affect the person's family and economic stability. My responsibility includes these related problems, if I am to care adequately for the sick.

If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection thereafter. May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling and may I long experience the joy of healing those who seek my help.

[NousDefionsDoc]

I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant:

I will respect the hard-won scientific gains of those physicians in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow.

I will apply, for the benefit of the sick, all measures which are required, avoiding those twin traps of overtreatment and therapeutic nihilism.

I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and the warmth, sympathy and understanding may outweigh the surgeon's knife or the chemist's drug.

I will not be ashamed to say 'I know not,' nor will I fail to call in my colleagues when the skills of another are needed for a patient's recovery.

I will respect the privacy of my patients, for their problems are not disclosed to me that the world may know. Most especially must I tread with the care in matters of life and death. If it is given me to save a life, all thanks. But it may also be within my power to take a life; this awesome responsibility must be faced with great humbleness and awareness of my own frailty. Above all, I must not play at God.

I will remember that I do not treat a fever chart, or a cancerous growth, but a sick human being, whose illness may affect the person's family and economic stability.

My responsibility includes these related problems, if I am to care adequately for the sick.

I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure.

I will remember that I remain a member of society, with special obligations to all my fellow human beings, those sound of mind and body, as well as the infirm.

If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection thereafter. May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling and may I long experience the joy of healing those who seek my help.

[NousDefionsDoc]

yeah, although I didn't take it, I'm ok with it.

Being an SF medic, this is my favorite part:

But it may also be within my power to take a life

[Pandora]

Mine, as well.

I am also partial to:

I will remember that I do not treat a fever chart, or a cancerous growth, but a sick human being, whose illness may affect the person's family and economic stability.

[Guy]

Originally posted by NousDefionsDoc
But it may also be within my power to take a life

LOLs...that reminds me of something I said:

"I'm a SHOOTER first! I'll come get you however, it does neither one of us any good...If I run out there and get hit also".

[NousDefionsDoc]

Originally posted by Guy
LOLs...that reminds me of something I said:

"I'm a SHOOTER first! I'll come get you however, it does neither one of us any good...If I run out there and get hit also".

Exactly

[Surgicalcric]

Originally posted by Team Sergeant
I did when I went off to Desert Storm. I filled out a living will just for that reason.

The Team Sergeant

Do you have one now Team Sergeant?

Also for anyone else interested in them, in the civilian world, you need to check with your state Dept of Health or whomever regulates EMS. Some states do not recognize Living Wills as a valid order for EMS. DNR's are though, but are only authorized here in SC for persons with a terminal illness.

Just some FYI.