Hospitals hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic are considering “do not resuscitate” orders to let the sickest patients die so others can live.
Hospitals are struggling with a lack of ICU beds and medical equipment shortages in the hardest hit areas such as New York and California.
Usually a DNR order is a personal decision between the patient’s families and their doctors. But hospitals are considering DNR orders for coronavirus patients who are not likely to survive.
“First, do no harm” is the guiding principle for doctors who are tasked with saving lives at all costs. But hospital administrations are debating whether some patients should be removed from ventilators and allowed to die to free up the equipment for patients who have a better chance of survival.
Dr. Patrice Harris (right), president of the American Medical Association, told Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner the AMA’s code of ethics provides guidance to hospitals and doctors about this difficult decision.
“That’s the appropriate thing to do,” Dr. Harris said. This shouldn’t be an individual doctor’s decision.”
The CDC offers the following tips to avoid spreading the flu or Covid-19 virus:
1. Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds
2. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
3. Avoid close contact with sick people
4. Sneeze and cough into a tissue or your elbow
5. Stay home if you are sick
5. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
6. When in doubt consult with a healthcare professional
