DNR-EMS for children

[saffie23]

Hello there. I hope it is ok that I am posting on this board and am not an EMT. I am in a special topics class that deals with Medically Fragile children. For an assignement this week we are required to find out from an EMS provider how they handle DNR-EMS orders for children.

Any information anyone can provide would be helpful and I would be grateful beyond measure!

I appreciate you all and the work you do!

Amy

[Ridryder 911]

If the child has a legal documented binding DNR, due to chronic illness, then usually most EMS will honor them. No resuscitation measures will be made as the same for adults. There should be no difference between the two.

There was a discussion about terminating field resucitation after no response on another EMS forum. Ironically, no one had protocols to do such like they did for adults. Ending resuscitation measures in pediatric cases is still a hot topic and is still being discussed at the national level.

Good luck in your studies.

R/R 911

[JakeEMTP]

Agreed. A DNR is what it is. Although it maybe sad as I have never had to deal with this particular scenario, we must follow the law. There is no distinction between adults and children when it comes to a DNR.

[saffie23]

Thanks so much, you have really helped me.

I agree it is a sad subject to even have to deal with.

[Nate]

Something similar is the theory of working a SIDS baby even though it is clear they are dead to help the parents "deal" with the loss.

[medik8]

Agreed. A DNR is what it is. Although it maybe sad as I have never had to deal with this particular scenario, we must follow the law. There is no distinction between adults and children when it comes to a DNR.

UGH...me either. A DNR on a Baby? :shock: Those two things shouldn't even have to go together...but obviously....they do sometimes.. How sad....

Good luck with school....

8

[JakeEMTP]

Something similar is the theory of working a SIDS baby even though it is clear they are dead to help the parents "deal" with the loss.

Excellent point Nate. I again have been lucky enough not to have to deal with this situation. I think if I was faced with it though, I would try and do something to as you say, help the parents deal with their loss.

[Punisher]

Excellent point Nate. I again have been lucky enough not to have to deal with this situation. I think if I was faced with it though, I would try and do something to as you say, help the parents deal with their loss.

I dealt with the SIDS death of the son of one of my high school classmates. Count yourself lucky that you have not had to do the same.

[Nate]

Excellent point Nate. I again have been lucky enough not to have to deal with this situation. I think if I was faced with it though, I would try and do something to as you say, help the parents deal with their loss.

The debate now is are we doing any good? I kind of believe that we should focus on helping the parents coupe right their until someone who is trained better can arrive to help them. Maybe training a few police officers are EMS supervisors in dealing with SIDS would be good to free up the crew to return to service.

[JakeEMTP]

I would like to think we are Nate. Not just for them, but for myself also. You, me and everyone else here is taught to help people. I'm not saying there is anything that can be done. Just that I feel we should at least try.

Being the father of 2 girls, I know I would hate it if help arrived and did absolutely nothing. I think of the parents as pt's in this case, as well as the child. If I at the very least initiate CPR, then they know someone tried and it may help them in their grief.