Estate Planning

"Do Not Resuscitate" Order

Some people strongly believe in Living Wills and have bracelets indicating that they carry a Living Will in their purse or pocket. Some have even taken the next step of signing a "Do Not Resuscitate Order." This is a new instrument authorized by Florida Statute Section 765.307. This form is provided by the HRS and became available in October of 1993. It is, in essence, a high-octane Living Will. It gives directions to all emergency medical services personnel, to withhold cardiopulmonary resuscitation (cardiac compressions, endotracheal intubation - and other advanced airway management - artificial ventilation, defibrillation and related procedures) from the patient in the event of the patient's cardiac or respiratory arrest. This document must be signed by a physician and the patient desiring it and witnessed by two people. It must be resigned every six months. Click HERE for a sample Do Not Resuscitate form.