WHAT HAPPENS WHEN CPR IS AGAINST MY WISHES OR IS NOT CLINICALLY INDICATED?
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WHAT IS CPR?
A Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) form will be completed and added to your medical records You should be informed if you have one in place Having a DNACPR form completed DOES NOT mean that other treatments will be withdrawn – you will continue to be treated for what has brought you to the hospital – for example, course of antibiotics to treat infections.
For more information:
https://www.dyingmatters.org
https://www.resus.org.uk/dnacpr/
WHAT IS CPR?
When your heart stops beating, and you stop breathing it is called a cardiopulmonary arrest
If this happens it is sometimes possible to restart your heart and breathing using something called cardiopulmonary resuscitation –
more commonly known as CPR – this is usually used for people who have a reversible cause of arrest
CPR can include:
- Chest compressions: firmly pushing down on your chest
repeatedly - Electric shocks: used to try and restart the heart
- Airway management: using a mask over your nose and mouth
to try and inflate your lungs or inserting a tube into your
windpipe
WHO DECIDES IF I HAVE CPR?
You can choose not to have CPR – if your heart were to stop we would not attempt to restart it and allow a natural death Your medical team will make a clinical judgement about whether CPR is likely to succeed in your case The decision to try CPR is based on clinical judgement – neither you nor your family can insist it be tried if it is against the medical team’s
advice – however you can make your preferences known The professionals in charge of your care can offer a second opinion and more information if you wish.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF CPR?
It is important to understand that every case is different How successful CPR can be will depend on what has caused the arrest and your past medical history CPR is a traumatic and invasive procedure and you may sustain an injury during the attempt – this can include fractured ribs and internal bleeding as well as external bruising After CPR you may need to spend time in intensive care and you may have brain damage or go into a coma
You may never return to your prior functioning – you can have physical and mental health problems you did not have before. A few people will make a full recovery after CPR but if you have a long-term condition or terminal illness it is much less likely to work.
TALKING ABOUT CPR
It is good to discuss your preferences for CPR with your medical team – they can offer advice about the chances of success and more information not provided in this booklet You may also feel this is something you would like to discuss with your family – if you would like help explaining your decision you can ask your medical team Informing your community team e.g. GP, nurse, palliative team if one is in place helps everyone understand your wishes.
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To transform your dreams into reality, the next revolution is never far away. This is a place where education is a force for positive change. Mission We are here because you have a dream: to advance or change your career, to immerse yourself in a subject you love, to meet future mentors, colleagues and friends. At The RIST EDUCATION LIMITED UK you’ll find an incredible range of opportunities to take these next steps. You’ll see your dreams take shape and become real. Our aim is to produce graduates of high Caliber distinguished for their depth of knowledge, professional competence, knack and energy to put their knowledge to practical applications, the best human being and the best professional.
