You are resuscitating a patient following cardiac arrest when a family member asks you to stop. What should you do?

In situations where a family member requests to stop resuscitation efforts during a cardiac arrest, it is imperative to prioritize the protocols established in emergency medical services. Continuing resuscitation per protocol and seeking to verify a physician-signed Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is the appropriate action because emergency responders operate under the assumption that resuscitation efforts should be continued unless there is clear and legally binding documentation indicating otherwise.

The situation requires following established medical protocols, which typically dictate that resuscitation efforts should not be ceased based solely on verbal requests from family members unless there is a valid DNR in place. By asking to see the physician-signed DNR order, you are ensuring that any decision to stop resuscitation is based on evidence and legal clarity regarding the patient's wishes. This approach safeguards the patient’s rights and ensures that the actions taken by the medical team align with both ethical standards and legal requirements.

In contrast, stopping CPR immediately without verifying a DNR order could lead to potential legal ramifications and ethical concerns regarding the withholding of lifesaving interventions from a patient who might not have expressed a desire to forgo resuscitation. Additionally, delaying transport for the family to search for an advanced directive is not appropriate, as it can unnecessarily