What must EMS verify to confirm the identity of a patient with a DNRO?

To confirm the identity of a patient with a Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNRO), it is essential to verify the patient's identity using a reliable method. A driver's license or photo identification serves as an official form of identification, providing necessary information such as the patient's name and possibly their photograph, which is critical in situations where the patient's medical condition may impair their ability to communicate.

This identification ensures that EMS personnel are acting according to the wishes of the correct individual, specifically in highly sensitive scenarios where resuscitation efforts could be mistakenly initiated against the patient's expressed desires. The use of photo identification helps eliminate any potential confusion or misidentification that may occur in emergency situations, thereby adhering to legal and ethical standards set forth in medical protocols.

The other options may provide useful information or context about the patient, but they do not serve the primary purpose of confirming identity in a timely and reliable manner. For example, while a patient's medical history may inform care decisions, it does not definitively confirm who the patient is at the moment an EMS crew arrives. Similarly, insurance details may relate to billing and coverage but are not suitable for immediate identification. Witness testimony could be helpful but is not as reliable as a government-issued photo ID, which is essential for establishing the