When NOT to resuscitate

1

• When NOT to resuscitate

2
When to resuscitate

• Whenever there is a chance of survival in
  patients suffering cardio-pulmonary arrest
  vigorous attempts at resuscitation should be
  attempted
• If a family practitioner (GP), relative or close
  family friend insists on resuscitation, then it
  should be attempted.
• Unless a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order is
  available or a Living Will is in place.

3

• If in doubt commence resuscitation attempt
• Until the facts of the collapse are known DRABC
  should be applied but may be stopped if the
  following situations apply

4
When not to resuscitate

• Submersion longer than 1 hour (NOT IMMERSION)
• Presence of a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) Order or
  Living Will stating that the patient does not
  wish to be resuscitated

5
Conditions incompatable with life

• Decapitation
• Massive head destruction
• Patient cut into pieces or similar massive injury
• Decomposition/putrefaction
• Incineration
• Hypostasis (pooling of the blood)
• Rigor Mortis (stiffening of the body)
• In the newborn Foetal maceration (mushed up
  contents from the womb)
• 
  
  

6
When not to resuscitate

• If ALL of the following are present
• (1.) More than 15 minutes since collapse
• and
• (2.) The AED indicates that the patient is in a
• non-shockable rhythm
• and
• (3.) No CPR has been carried out
• during this time (prior to arrival)

7

• If in doubt commence resuscitation attempt

8
When not to resuscitate

• Any questions?
• Anything not understood?
• Anything needing attention?
•