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I've prepared a "living will" - basically a signed directive that I don't want anyone to strive officiously to save my life, a.k.a. "Do Not Resuscitate". I gave

I've prepared a "living will" - basically a signed directive that I don't want anyone to strive officiously to save my life, a.k.a. "Do Not Resuscitate". I gave a copy to my GP, and I sent another to my health trust. There's a copy in my desk-drawer. My kids know my intentions. But I'm afraid that if a paramedic attends me in an emergency, she won't know about these documents, and will be in too much of a hurry to search. Also, if I get in trouble outside the area of my health trust, they won't have this document at all.

ejb999 4y ago
Not sure where you live, but in my state (and states around me) EMT/Paramedics know to check the fridge door for a MOLST form that is usually brightly colored (easy to see) and contains your wishes - i.e. no CPR or no intubation etc; usually these are filled out in conjunction with your doctor, they keep a copy and you put a copy on your fridge where it is easy to find - more common for very elderly folks and those with terminal illnesses - but I supposed anyone could have one.
- denton-scratch 4y ago
  > and those with terminal illnesses My terminal illness is called "life". I have COPD, which is supposedly incurable, and there's a fair chance that's what will kill me; but what guarantees that I'll die is the fact I'm alive.
- denton-scratch 4y ago
  Yeah, that only works well if I carry my fridge around with me! /s I could carry the note, of course; but the chances are I'd forget to pin it back on the fridge. Perhaps I should stick a colourful note to my fridge, saying "Paramedics: instructions in desk drawer".
_qua 4y ago
A living will is only as good as your designated power of attorney when push comes to shove. It’s just as important to have these discussions with you power of attorney repeatedly and in depth before the time comes.
bell-cot 4y ago
Might this be useful? https://store.medicalert.org/classic-medical-id-bracelet/A126-M.html https://store.medicalert.org/classic-medical-id-bracelet/A12...

ejb999 4y ago

Not sure where you live, but in my state (and states around me) EMT/Paramedics know to check the fridge door for a MOLST form that is usually brightly colored (easy to see) and contains your wishes - i.e. no CPR or no intubation etc; usually these are filled out in conjunction with your doctor, they keep a copy and you put a copy on your fridge where it is easy to find - more common for very elderly folks and those with terminal illnesses - but I supposed anyone could have one.

denton-scratch 4y ago
> and those with terminal illnesses My terminal illness is called "life". I have COPD, which is supposedly incurable, and there's a fair chance that's what will kill me; but what guarantees that I'll die is the fact I'm alive.
denton-scratch 4y ago
Yeah, that only works well if I carry my fridge around with me! /s I could carry the note, of course; but the chances are I'd forget to pin it back on the fridge. Perhaps I should stick a colourful note to my fridge, saying "Paramedics: instructions in desk drawer".

_qua 4y ago

A living will is only as good as your designated power of attorney when push comes to shove. It’s just as important to have these discussions with you power of attorney repeatedly and in depth before the time comes.

bell-cot 4y ago

Might this be useful? https://store.medicalert.org/classic-medical-id-bracelet/A126-M.html https://store.medicalert.org/classic-medical-id-bracelet/A12...