STMCA Do-Not-Resuscitate Registry
Some people do not want any efforts made to prolong their life when their heart stops beating. Under Michigan law, people may sign a "do-not-resuscitate" order that tells healthcare professionals such as EMS not to try and revive them.
Because the law is quite specific on required information contained in a DNR order, the Saginaw-Tuscola MCA has implemented a Do-Not-Resuscitate Registry for patients in Saginaw and Tuscola Counties. This program is sometimes referred to as the "purple band" program because of the wristbands that are issued to patients that allow pre-hospital providers to easily identify someone that does not wish to receive CPR or other resuscitative measures when their heart stops.
The goals of the STMCA DNR Registry are simple:
Respect the wishes of our patients during a time when family can be overwhelmed with difficult decisions.
Relieve confusion felt by EMS by providing a standardized and verified way for EMS personnel to identify those that do not want resuscitation. EMS responders are often told someone is a DNR but they lack appropriate paperwork at a scene.
Act as a resource to our local nursing homes, and other facilities that routinely deal in end-of-life care.
When a person wishes to have a DNR, they must complete the appropriate form ensuring that witness and other requirements are met. The form is then sent to the STMCA where we verify the completeness of the form and then issue a signed order and purple band. Once in the registry, the patient's DNR is shared with local emergency departments, medical dispatch entities a copy sent to the attending physician for the patient record. If an EMS provider is told that a patient is a DNR and they are not wearing their bracelet and their paperwork in unavailable, the provider can contact a hospital or dispatch to verify the patient is truly a DNR.
A declarant may revoke a DNR order in any manner by which he or she is able to communicate their intent to revoke the order. Revocations should be in writing and a form is provided below. Although this is the preferred method for revocation, a patient may verbally rescind their DNR in the presence of EMS and the responder will respect their wishes.