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Thursday, March 26, 2020

Hospitals consider universal do-not-resuscitate orders for coronavirus patients

Worry that ‘all hands’ responses may expose doctors and nurses to infection prompts debate about prioritizing the survival of the many over the one

Hospitals on the front lines of the pandemic are engaged in a heated private debate over a calculation few have encountered in their lifetimes — how to weigh the “save at all costs” approach to resuscitating a dying patient against the real danger of exposing doctors and nurses to the contagion of coronavirus.

The conversations are driven by the realization that the risk to staff amid dwindling stores of protective equipment — such as masks, gowns and gloves — may be too great to justify the conventional response when a patient “codes,” and their heart or breathing stops.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago has been discussing a do-not-resuscitate policy for infected patients, regardless of the wishes of the patient or their family members — a wrenching decision to prioritize the lives of the many over the one.

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15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Where is the PRESIDENT

Anonymous said...

Murder !! Hang them by their shorthairs. Can’t they be charged with conspiracy to murder ? Will they also choose which race , genders, age or net worth?

Anonymous said...

What happen to the hypocritical oath all these medical professions took. People are getting just a small taste of SOCIALISM. The government determines even when you live or die. What if it was their mother, father, brother, sister, child etc.?? What would the decision be?? This is a Crime and so sad that people have gotten to this way of thinking.

Anonymous said...

I have a Will stating do not resuscitate if I am dying. Let the doctor make that decision not the family. No guilt by family members later on. However, God for bid a doctor lets me die because is health staff concerns.

Anonymous said...

11:49 it goes out the window during martial law, call it what you wan, stay in order, or whatever, this is martial law...

Anonymous said...

Didn't know that but I'm not surprised. Old people get no respect.

Anonymous said...

Democrats at their best!

Anonymous said...

My daughter works at PAH in Philly the nations first Hospital. She is telling me nurses and doctors alike are calling out or refusing exposure to patients given the shortage of protective masks and gowns. They were given one non N95 mask and a paper bag at the beginning of the week and instructed to use it all week and that includes reuse in the surgeries. WTF. Patients are showing up with better masks. The night cleaning staff has pilfered all the Purell and sterile wipes toilet paper and everything not locked up.

Anonymous said...

regardless of the family wishes??? OUTRAGEOUS!

Anonymous said...

Governors and Health officials have already secretly agreed to let 65 and older die comfortably. You will be made comfortable but not put on machines since there just are not enough to keep viable working age people alive.

Anonymous said...

Lawyers WILL be Sueing !!!! Bet on that !!!

Anonymous said...

there is a special place in hell for these people!

Anonymous said...

It is called survival of the fittest. You don't waste limited resources on a 80 year old patient with dementia when you can save a 25 year old toilet seat licker or a 30 year old blogger snowflake living in his mom's basement.


It is the political party they belong to is what is really deciding who lives who dies.

Anonymous said...

DNR for Democrat Congressmen !!!! Last in Line

Anonymous said...

SO i guess that since most Trump supporters are older white males and typically have health issues we should just let them die?