Guest guest Posted September 1, 2001 Report Share Posted September 1, 2001 , It does depend on the state and the hospital, but in the absence of iron-clad, hospital-recognized legal documents to the contrary, people aren't made DNR unless all possible life-saving treatments are exhausted. At the very least, Hippocratic oath notwithstanding, the lawyers make them do it. Once all treatments (at the discretion of the attending physician) are exhausted, you may be declared DNR. If I were on the table unconscious during DS surgery and I suddenly had a heart attack or stroke, I do not believe my surgeon would say " Oops...this wasn't on the agenda. I guess we'll just let her go. " Speaking of which, has anyone made a living will prior to surgery? > > I do believe, at least in American hospitals, that unless > > you have > > a living will that the hospital has agreed to abide by (and > > maybe not even then), they cannot just let you die in a > > hospital, regardless of any other contract or spoken wish. > > If an emergency arises, they have to do anything and > > everything possible to save your life and you can complain > > about it later. If > > an emergency arises and your designated surgeon needs > > assistance, then he/she can (and darn well better) ask for > > assistance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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