asked 6 days ago
Arrive on-scene to find a pt with an altered LOA, bradypnea, and vomit/saliva in the airway; do you suction and then provide PPV as a comfort measure?
1 Answers
answered 2 days ago
Thank you for the question regarding treatments in patients who have a DNR in place. The DNR-C form for Ontario has a list of resuscitation treatments that should not be performed by paramedics or firefighters, these include “insertion of an oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway. The DNR-C form also states the comfort measure such as oropharyngeal suctioning may be provided. In reality, these calls are not always black and white and understanding the circumstances for the DNR form is truly important. Many patients' understanding is that the DNR means that they will not receive CPR or mechanical ventilation if they are VSA. I would consider the circumstances of the call and if the reason for the call is not related to their normal health issues, I would provide care in accordance with BLS and ALS PCS up to the point of VSA status. In the scenario you describe, I would provide suction of the airway and ventilatory assistance via non invasive measures. For further direction please don’t hesitate to reach out to your service provider.
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