Dilemma - CPR on pt. with invalid DNR form

[RebelAngel]

I looked up NYS policy on DNRs because of this thread. I am not sure if it's been posted already but in case it hasn't here it is:
http://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/ems/policy/99-10.htm

 

[Fire51]

I agree with what people are saying about respecting the patients/famlies wishes about not doing CPR when thier heart stops, but one question I had was, does the receiving hospital still take the patient when they are dead? Especially when you call for a time of death? I didn't read all 60 or so replies so if it has already been answered I am sorry.

 

[TheLocalMedic]

I agree with what people are saying about respecting the patients/famlies wishes about not doing CPR when thier heart stops, but one question I had was, does the receiving hospital still take the patient when they are dead? Especially when you call for a time of death? I didn't read all 60 or so replies so if it has already been answered I am sorry.

If you call it in the field, then you call law enforcement. They'll get the coroner involved and take it from there. We don't transport dead bodies to the hospital (despite what Hollywood says).

If you call it en route (uncommon but had it happen for me once on a long rural transport), our policy is to transport non-emergently to the nearest ED and contact law enforcement. Hospitals have morgues to keep the body until the coroner comes to collect it.

 

[ZombieEMT]

If you call it in the field, then you call law enforcement. They'll get the coroner involved and take it from there. We don't transport dead bodies to the hospital (despite what Hollywood says).

If you call it en route (uncommon but had it happen for me once on a long rural transport), our policy is to transport non-emergently to the nearest ED and contact law enforcement. Hospitals have morgues to keep the body until the coroner comes to collect it.

Some hospitals do have morgues. Some do not.

 

[Fire51]

If you call it in the field, then you call law enforcement. They'll get the coroner involved and take it from there. We don't transport dead bodies to the hospital (despite what Hollywood says).

If you call it en route (uncommon but had it happen for me once on a long rural transport), our policy is to transport non-emergently to the nearest ED and contact law enforcement. Hospitals have morgues to keep the body until the coroner comes to collect it.

Should have specified more. I meant in back of the ambulance, not on scene. Thanks for the answers. Calling for time of death in back of ambulance is rare so I was just wondering what happens when you do.

 

[TheLocalMedic]

Some hospitals do have morgues. Some do not.

Even if they don't have a morgue, they've got somewhere they can stash a body. Like the cafeteria! They've got freezers in there, right?

 

[ZombieEMT]

Normally when the hospital does not have a morgue, the patient's bed u s where he or she stays, until removed by coroner, wasting viable space.

 

[TheLocalMedic]

If you call it en route (uncommon but had it happen for me once on a long rural transport), our policy is to transport non-emergently to the nearest ED and contact law enforcement. Hospitals have morgues to keep the body until the coroner comes to collect it.

I felt that I had to add that I actually needed to look up what the protocol was for terminating a code during transport. It was an unusual situation and I doubt it will happen again in my career.

 

[JPINFV]

Even if they don't have a morgue, they've got somewhere they can stash a body. Like the cafeteria! They've got freezers in there, right?

The decon room in the ED... (and I'm only half joking... but when it's only a couple hours waiting for the coroner to show up...).