A cyclist is found unconscious with serious injuries. They are in cardiac arrest. They are wearing a bracelet engraved "DNR".
Brain cells begin to die within 4-6 minutes of cardiac arrest. Medics cannot waste 10 minutes searching bags for paper forms.
In trauma scenarios, EMS protocols in some jurisdictions may allow initial resuscitation while verifying DNR validity, particularly if cardiac arrest appears reversible (e.g., from blood loss rather than terminal illness).
Without oxygen, the brain deteriorates rapidly. Every minute of delay counts.
Note: Statistics represent approximate ranges based on evidence-informed research. Actual survival rates vary significantly based on context (witnessed arrest, shockable rhythm, bystander CPR, time to ROSC). Source: PMC6131783
Does the bracelet alone stop CPR legally?
| State | Bracelet Valid | Paper Required | Standard | Status |
|---|
Learn more about DNR protocols, state-specific forms, and emergency medical guidelines
American Heart Association guidelines on CPR outcomes and brain damage timelines
View AHA CPR GuidelinesSample emergency medical service protocols for DNR verification in trauma scenarios
View ProtocolsOverview of state-specific DNR laws and Out-of-Hospital DNR order requirements
Explore LawsBioethics resources on end-of-life decision-making and advance directives
Read Bioethics ResearchOrganizations helping patients navigate advance care planning and DNR decisions
Get HelpUnderstanding what happens when DNR documentation fails
The patient will be intubated and put on a ventilator. They will be admitted to the ICU. The family must then bring the physical DNR order to the hospital ethics committee or attending physician to withdraw life support.
A person who carefully prepared a DNR because they wanted to die naturally—rather than survive with brain damage—might end up: receiving unwanted CPR during verification delay, achieving return of circulation after several minutes, and surviving with the exact neurological devastation they hoped to avoid.