North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What is required regarding the form of a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order?

1. It can be verbal

2. It must be in original form

3. It can be a photocopy

4. It requires two witnesses

The correct answer is: It must be in original form

A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is a legally binding document that directs emergency medical personnel not to perform CPR in the event that the patient stops breathing or their heart stops beating. For a DNR order to be valid and recognized by emergency responders, it must be in its original written form. This ensures that there is no ambiguity regarding the patient's wishes and protects against potential fraudulent or unauthorized alterations of the document. The importance of having the original form lies in its legal implications, where emergency medical responders must adhere strictly to the documented wishes of the patient. While there are instances where healthcare providers may rely on alternative forms of communication, such as verbal orders or photocopies, these do not typically meet the legal standards set forth for DNR orders. In many jurisdictions, including North Carolina, having the original signed document ensures that there is clear, traditional documentation of the patient's intent. Additionally, the requirement for witnesses may vary based on state regulations, but the primary focus remains on the necessity for the original document to validate the DNR order outside of a hospital setting.