The state of New York has ordered first responders not to resuscitate cardiac patients due the the coronavirus pandemic—meaning, if a patient does not have a pulse, the health worker will not attempt CPR or other possibly life saving procedures.
The health department said in a letter to workers the order is “necessary during the COVID-19 response to protect the health and safety of EMS providers by limiting their exposure, conserve resources, and ensure optimal use of equipment to save the greatest number of lives.”
A do-not-resuscitate order (DNR) is a legally binding order stating that no steps will be taken to restart a patient’s heart or restore breathing if the patient experiences cardiac arrest or respiratory arrest.
The New York Post broke the story.
