DNR

Talking to an acquaintance last night after a couple of weeks was an interesting experience. We haven’t talked in a little while so it was the usual catching up banter, what are you up to, what did you do today. I had given blood that day (something to do for a good time). But followed was one of the most interesting conversations I have had with someone in quite some time. It started off with her remarking that better me than her donating blood. Just doesn’t see the point in it. Ok fair enough, not going into the whole altruistic saving of a life thing, instead settled for what goes around comes around, you never know when you will be in a car accident and need some blood. The next part is what floored me.

Keep in mind I am talking to a young lady in mid 30s, who then stated that blood transfers were not for her. If it is her time after a car accident, no transfers for her. I thought she was kidding initially, but it turns out she actually has a living will to that affect stating she does not want to be resuscitated (DNR). As a medic I told her that might be great but in the field we don’t know about her living will. So we ended up having an entire conversation how she can buy a bracelet to identify her at a DNR. Hmmm, I know grandparents or senior citizens who might be contemplating that, but a perfectly healthy young woman. Turns out she is scared of all the diseases she feels she could get from blood transfers. Not going to put a judgment on this thought process, but clearly not my opinion.