I am in favour of DNR for those nonobservant/nonjews who do not wish to be resuscitated or, if they are no longer capable of making decisions, whose life outlook suggests that’s what they would want under the circumstances, and of course, for frum people who discussed the details with a posek. I am not in favour of DNR pushed upon, or forced unto, people whose wish is to hold on to life.
DNR means we choose not to resuscitate a patient who coded and we do not prepare to implement resuscitation on a patient who we think is about to code, we call their relatives instead, so that they are aware that their loved one is likely to pass soon – people need to make arrangements, take leave from work, book tickets, someone may wish to pray, someone else may wish to pick up their children from school and talk to them before getting caught in everything that has to be done and piles up. DNR means we help the patient on a bed, which is more comfortable and more dignified if they still are somewhat conscious, not on the floor which instead is the proper place for resuscitation manouvers. DNR means we decide resuscitation is not a medical option we want to avail ourselves of. It means nothing more but also nothing less.
Did you listen to the call? Everyone knows that medical personnel is hardened and does not get emotionally involved in death, that’s how they manage to be professionals. But the call is beyond that. Also, I think (correct me if I am wrong) that the emt crew, when they arrived, aggressively started resuscitation (unsuccessfully). Am I the only one who is disturbed by this?