… What this means to you, your family and the Bedford Life Saving Crew.

A D.N.R. is a “Durable Do Not Resuscitate Order” that is written and signed by a physician for a particular patient. These orders are specific to cardiac or respiratory arrest and specific treatments for those events. One of the most important aspects of a D.N.R. as it relates to Emergency Medical Technicians is its availability.

If you or a family member has a D.N.R., it is important to keep that available and at the patient’s location at all times. It is even advisable to place it on the back of the patient’s bedroom door. If an individual enters cardiac arrest, an EMT is bound to perform CPR and other procedures deemed appropriate - even if told the patient has a D.N.R. - until presented with the document or some other means of Virginia State recognized identification. There are many factors covering D.N.R.s and much more information is available from the Virginia Department of Health Office of Emergency Medical Services or your physician.