Hospitals across U.S. consider universal do-not-resuscitate orders for coronavirus patients

[Sanders]

Hospitals on the front lines of the pandemic are engaged in a heated private debate over a calculation few have encountered in their lifetimes - how to weigh the “save at all costs” approach to resuscitating a dying patient against the real danger of exposing doctors and nurses to the contagion of coronavirus.

The conversations are driven by the realization that the risk to staff amid dwindling stores of protective equipment - such as masks, gowns and gloves - may be too great to justify the conventional response when a patient "codes," and their heart or breathing stops.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago has been discussing a universal do-not-resuscitate policy for infected patients, regardless of the wishes of the patient or their family members - a wrenching decision to prioritize the lives of the many over the one.

Richard Wunderink, one of Northwestern's intensive-care medical directors, said hospital administrators have asked Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker for help in clarifying state law and whether it permits the policy shift.

https://www.adn.com/nation-world/202...irus-patients/

[A.J.]

This could get REALLY bad. If just half the US population catches it, and 8% die (like in Italy), we're talking over 13 million people. Medical protocols need to be decided upon now, not later. Polivies will be harsh. People will be left to die. There is no good solution.

[CDawg]

Originally Posted by A.J.

This could get REALLY bad. If just half the US population catches it, and 8% die (like in Italy), we're talking over 13 million people. Medical protocols need to be decided upon now, not later. Polivies will be harsh. People will be left to die. There is no good solution.

Yes. It could get VERY ugly. A long time ago I was in a Fleet Hospital Unit. ...the Navy's version of a MASH unit. We trained for deployment at Camp Pendleton. I was a non-medical rating. All non-medical folks were cross trained for camp security potentialities. NBC warfare training was part of that. The short and not so sweet ...we could help most chemical and nuclear casualties, but not biological. Someone asked what do we do if bio casualties come to us for help? The answer ...you turn them away. The followup question ...what if they insist and try to force their way in? The answer ...you shoot them. The unanimous response. ...WTF, OVER! I didn't sign up for THAT shit! Our trainers were Vietnam combat vets. Their response. .."It's a wonderful fucking war!" I'm not trying to say that this would or could happen in our current situation. ...but the choices may be just as harsh.

[Diesel 88888888]

This is exactly why u never sign that 'living will' packet; nothing but a suicide pact.:zoot:

[A.J.]

I work a soul-crushing job dealing with the general public every day. It's just a matter of time before I get infected. I'm 56 and am in very good shape, so I should survive. About 3 days ago I sent my wife up to our Northern Michigan wilderness cabin to ride it out.

I already feel like shit and have been dealing with a dull headache for two days now. At this point I just don't give a fuck. All I care about is that my wife is safe. She's fine. Bring it on. Fuck you Covid-19, you cowardly little bitch. Make my day!

[CDawg]

Originally Posted by A.J.

I work a soul-crushing job dealing with the general public every day. It's just a matter of time before I get infected. I'm 56 and am in very good shape, so I should survive. About 3 days ago I sent my wife up to our Northern Michigan wilderness cabin to ride it out.

I already feel like shit and have been dealing with a dull headache for two days now. At this point I just don't give a fuck. All I care about is that my wife is safe. She's fine. Bring it on. Fuck you Covid-19, you cowardly little bitch. Make my day!

You're a good man to take care of your wife that way. The headache thing is common these days and often a combination of stress and dehydration. Folks are forgetting to hydrate and stress is exasperating that. Try drinking more water and less caffeine, if your a caffeine user. Your job sounds really bad. Make taking care of yourself your priority whenever possible. Good luck, I've had some very shitty jobs too and maintaining an even strain is not an easy thing to accomplish. Those hospital folks I worked with taught me some simple stuff. ...but good stuff none the less. Their favorite thing to say was, "Does it hurt when you do that? Well, don't do that!" When I would say, "Good Morning Mame. How are you doing?" to this older Vietnam Nurse, she would say, "I'm sitting up and taking solid food." At first, I didn't know where she was coming from. ...but upon reflection I realized that sometimes, that's as good as it gets.

[Diesel 88888888]

Originally Posted by CDawg

....How are you doing?" to this older Vietnam Nurse, she would say, "I'm sitting up and taking solid food." At first, I didn't know where she was coming from. ...but upon reflection I realized that sometimes, that's as good as it gets.

Yep!

[dhr]

Originally Posted by CDawg

When I would say, "Good Morning Mame. How are you doing?" to this older Vietnam Nurse, she would say, "I'm sitting up and taking solid food." At first, I didn't know where she was coming from. ...but upon reflection I realized that sometimes, that's as good as it gets.

My typical response to a question like that is:

"I'm still above room temperature."

[A.J.]

Originally Posted by CDawg

You're a good man to take care of your wife that way. The headache thing is common these days and often a combination of stress and dehydration. Folks are forgetting to hydrate and stress is exasperating that. Try drinking more water and less caffeine, if your a caffeine user. Your job sounds really bad. Make taking care of yourself your priority whenever possible. Good luck, I've had some very shitty jobs too and maintaining an even strain is not an easy thing to accomplish. Those hospital folks I worked with taught me some simple stuff. ...but good stuff none the less. Their favorite thing to say was, "Does it hurt when you do that? Well, don't do that!" When I would say, "Good Morning Mame. How are you doing?" to this older Vietnam Nurse, she would say, "I'm sitting up and taking solid food." At first, I didn't know where she was coming from. ...but upon reflection I realized that sometimes, that's as good as it gets.

Thanks for the advice. You're probably correct: too much caffeine, not enough water, too much crappy job.

[klauss]

If I had a place to send my wife/kids I would especially given my youngest is considered high risk due to his various health issues.

[Crusader30-06M1]

Mn went into shelter in place a few hours ago. The order is nothing more than show. The rules dont stop anybody from doing anything.

[BBill]

That's just fine....as long as ALL the Senators
and Congressmen get turned away too...if
not, shit will hit the fan!!!

[Rick-a-Roo]

Took another heavy fall today when my shoes with the slippery soles shot out from
under me outside the meat market.

And once again, no broken bones, just a bruise on my hip, and some scraped off my
left thumb and the wrist.

It seems that their is a purpose...as yet unrevealed...for my existence, so perhaps I
need not fear this freakin' virus thingy.

Unless, of course, that freakin' virus thingy is what my miserable end is to be.

We shall see.

[aviator]

Originally Posted by Rick-a-Roo

Took another heavy fall today when my shoes with the slippery soles shot out from
under me outside the meat market.

And once again, no broken bones, just a bruise on my hip, and some scraped off my
left thumb and the wrist.

It seems that their is a purpose...as yet unrevealed...for my existence, so perhaps I
need not fear this freakin' virus thingy.

Unless, of course, that freakin' virus thingy is what my miserable end is to be.

We shall see.

Come on Rick. be careful, how about a walking stick of some sort? do you use one? After 60 broken bones are bad, after 70 they could be fatal.

[44044]

Originally Posted by Rick-a-Roo

Took another heavy fall today when my shoes with the slippery soles shot out from
under me outside the meat market.

And once again, no broken bones, just a bruise on my hip, and some scraped off my
left thumb and the wrist.

It seems that their is a purpose...as yet unrevealed...for my existence, so perhaps I
need not fear this freakin' virus thingy.

Unless, of course, that freakin' virus thingy is what my miserable end is to be.

We shall see.

Sir...

Perhaps you should retire that pair of shoes...