What should EMS personnel do if they encounter a patient with a DNRO identification device?

When EMS personnel encounter a patient with a Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNRO) identification device, the appropriate action is to withhold or withdraw cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). A DNRO indicates that the patient has expressed a desire not to receive resuscitative measures, typically due to terminal illness or other serious medical conditions. This legally binding order should be respected to honor the patient's wishes concerning their end-of-life care.

By withholding or withdrawing CPR, EMS personnel comply with the patient's rights and the legal protocols surrounding advance directives. This choice ensures that the patient's autonomy is upheld, allowing them to pass peacefully without unwanted medical interventions. Comfort measures may still be offered, focusing on the patient's dignity and providing relief from distressing symptoms, but aggressive resuscitation efforts are not in alignment with the directives set forth by the DNRO.