If you encounter an unconscious patient with a DNR order that cannot be located, what should you do?

In situations involving a patient with a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order, the primary goal is to balance the ethical duty to respect patient autonomy with the need to provide care based on the current circumstances. When an unconscious patient with a DNR order cannot have the order confirmed, the best course of action is to initiate treatment and contact medical control for guidance.

This approach is grounded in the principle that emergency medical responders should provide care to stabilize the patient while seeking to clarify the situation surrounding the DNR. The immediate priority is to ensure that necessary life-saving interventions are performed, particularly when the patient's condition is critical and their wishes regarding resuscitation cannot be verified.

By beginning treatment, you act in the best interest of the patient, ensuring they receive the care they might require in an emergency scenario. Consulting medical control also allows for further clarification of the patient’s wishes and ensures that you adhere to the appropriate protocols related to DNR orders once more information is available.

This method maintains both a commitment to patient care and the ethical considerations surrounding advanced directives, creating a comprehensive approach to a potentially complex ethical situation.