Yes, you can have a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order in the UK, but the process is slightly different than simply ‘putting it on yourself’. A DNR order is a medical directive that essentially means you do not wish to receive chest compressions, defibrillation, or other advanced cardiac life support if your heart stops or you stop breathing.

However, it’s not something you can simply choose for yourself without any medical consultation. Rather, a DNR decision is usually made jointly between you and your doctor. The doctors will consider your health condition and your personal wishes. What is most important here is your capacity to understand and make this serious decision, which should be based on clear and correct medical information from your healthcare professionals.

If you are proactively planning and want your decision to be known and respected even in situations where you might be unable to communicate, you can create an Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment (ADRT). ADRT is a legally binding document in England and Wales which allows you to specify the type of treatments you would like to refuse in certain situations in the future, including CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation, regularly associated with DNR).

An example could be an elderly person with a deteriorating health condition. They could choose to fill out an ADRT form on myADRT (https://myadrt.com), specifying that they do not wish to receive any life-sustaining treatment, including CPR, in case their heart stops. Once completed and appropriately witnessed, the ADRT can be downloaded, printed, shared with their GP and stored with their medical records to ensure their wishes are respected.

Remember the completion of an ADRT should be done in discussion with your healthcare professionals and possibly after getting legal advice to ensure it reflects your real wishes and meets all the legal requirements.

Having clarified that a person can indeed enact a ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ (DNR) order, or what is often formally termed ‘Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation’ (DNACPR) in the UK, one may ask a series of follow-up questions. These more specific enquiries may revolve around: How to put a DNR on oneself, What needs to be considered when doing so and What the potential benefits and drawbacks are.

1) How can I put a DNR on myself in the UK?

In the UK, an individual cannot technically setup a DNR for themselves. However, an Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment (ADRT) can be made, allowing one to specify the types of treatment they do not want in certain medical circumstances. A DNACPR is usually put into place by healthcare professionals based on their judgement of your best interests and discussions with you (if you’re able) or your representatives or loved ones.

To ensure your preferences are known, you can create an ADRT through a platform like myADRT, in which you outline specific situations where you would not want cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This document is legally binding and ensures your wishes are honoured.

2) What should I consider when putting a DNR on myself?

It is crucial to think about your quality of life following Methods of Recovery (MoR), how the CPR could affect your health, and if the outcomes would be desirable or not. For instance, CPR can result in broken ribs or brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation. It is also important to communicate your wishes with your loved ones and medical team. An ADRT can detail these considerations thoroughly and specifically.

3) What are the benefits and drawbacks of having a DNR in place?

Benefits: Having an ADRT that includes a DNR ensures that medical teams are aware of your decisions about your health even if you cannot communicate. This can protect you from undergoing potentially invasive and painful procedures that you may not want; it helps respect your autonomy and wishes and alleviates the emotional burden on your relatives making decisions on your behalf.

Drawbacks: Sometimes, an ADRT with a DNR decision could limit your treatment options in situations where CPR may have been useful or successful. Moreover, there is the risk of potential misunderstandings or communication gaps between you, your family, and healthcare providers which might lead to undesired outcomes. Lastly, your health condition might change over time and the DNR may prevent you from receiving CPR when it might have been beneficial.

Therefore, consider these aspects carefully with the help of professionals before creating your ADRT. It’s always advised to regularly review and update your ADRT if your health condition or wishes change.

If you are considering creating an ADRT or updating an existing one, we encourage you to register your ADRT form with myADRT by visiting https://myadrt.com/register/  By registering with myADRT, you can ensure that your document is created, stored, and shared more efficiently with healthcare professionals and trusted individuals involved in your care.

Additionally, please consider sharing the myADRT service with your friends, family, or loved ones who may also benefit from having an ADRT in place. By spreading the word about this valuable service, you can help others take control of their future medical care and ensure their wishes are respected even when they are unable to communicate them personally. Registering an ADRT with myADRT is a proactive step towards peace of mind for both you and the people who care about you.