Does a do not resuscitate order still apply for (attempted?) suicides?
A DNR does not preclude trying to save a person’s life no matter how an injury is sustained. What a DNR does is prevent invasive or persistent life-saving efforts to be performed when meaningful recovery is not expected. So, if you shoot yourself – or get shot – in the head, the doctors will do everything necessary to save your life, including using resuscitation equipment. If you are then proclaimed brain dead, an existing DNR order may allow the equipment keeping you alive to be disconnected so you can die a natural death. Having a DNR in place does not preclude good medical care. You must still be treated for your illness and any infections, be fed, and given general comfort.
