[Sacamuelas]

That makes complete sense and is probably the law in all 50 states.

A living will is a legal document that basically creates a precedent for the removal of life support mechanisms in the event of an unlikely recovery. I wouldn't want an EMS guy making that decision on the scene. It is a medical decision to be made by a MD (usually two separate docs) after complete and final diagnosis and all the initial resuscitation has been performed.

Completely different than a DNR. IT is a document that prevents the use of advanced resuscitation methods. It has nothing to do with a terminal prognosis or medical diagnosis at all. It is a preemptive call made by the patient.

I know you know these things surgcric, it just seemed that the definitions were unclear in that last post. I wanted to make sure everyone understood. I would have a living will if going to war or even at home (I have one now), but as someone with a future I would never get a DNR. For the non-terminal, a DNR might be necessary if you have religious reasons or have no real interest in continuing to live if an accident occurs. Hope that helps explain why EMT's can't enforce one but follow the other.