Withholding resuscitation

Pearls

• Signs of obvious death: 
  • Rigor mortis and/or dependent lividity 
  • Decomposition 
  • Decapitation 
  • Incineration 
  • Obviously mortal wounds resulted from severe trauma with obvious signs of organ destruction. 
• Patient submersion great than 20 minutes from the time the patient was witnessed going underwater or from arrival of first public safety entity until the patient is in a position for effective resuscitative efforts to begin. 

• Fetal death with a fetus < 20 weeks by best age determination available at scene; consider products of conception and does not require time of death. Fetal death < 20 weeks may be documented on mother’s ePCR. If > 20 weeks, then create a separate ePCR. 
• Valid DNR
• Injuries Incompatible with life