.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
Medical Order?
Recognized by EMS?
Legal Document?
EMS DNR
MOST Form
Hospital DNR
Living Will
Healthcare POA
What is a DNR?
A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order tells healthcare providers not to initiate CPR if a person experiences:
-
Cardiac arrest (heart stops)
-
Respiratory arrest (breathing stops)
​
CPR may include:
-
Chest compressions
-
Defibrillation (shocks)
-
Advanced airway placement
-
Cardiac medications
​
A DNR order only applies when a patient is in cardiac or respiratory arrest.
​
A DNR does not mean:
-
No medical treatment
-
No pain management
-
No oxygen therapy
-
No comfort care
-
No transport to a hospital (unless otherwise specified)
​
Patients with DNR orders continue to receive appropriate medical care and comfort-focused treatment.
EMS vs Hospital/Physician DNRs
Kentucky EMS DNR Orders
​A Kentucky EMS DNR Order is specifically designed for use in the prehospital environment and is recognized by EMS personnel throughout the Commonwealth.
​
When presented with a valid EMS DNR Order, EMS personnel may withhold resuscitation efforts in accordance with Kentucky law and protocols.
Physician/Hospital DNR Orders
A physician DNR order is intended for use within a hospital, nursing facility, or other healthcare setting. It instructs healthcare providers not to initiate CPR if cardiac or respiratory arrest occurs.
Important: Physician DNR orders are NOT recognized by EMS personnel during an emergency response.
What is a MOST Form?
The Kentucky Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST) form is a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant order that communicates a patient's treatment preferences across healthcare settings.
​
The MOST form may address:
-
CPR preferences
-
Intubation and mechanical ventilation
-
Hospital transport
-
Medical interventions
-
Artificial nutrition
Who Should Consider a MOST Form?
A MOST form is generally intended for individuals who:
-
Have a serious chronic illness
-
Have advanced frailty
-
Have a terminal illness
-
Wish to clearly define treatment preferences
Why is it important?
Unlike a living will, the MOST form contains medical orders that EMS personnel can follow during an emergency.
Living
Will
What is a Living Will?
A Living Will is a legal document that outlines your healthcare wishes if you become unable to make decisions for yourself.
A Living Will may address:
-
Life-sustaining treatment
-
Artificial nutrition and hydration
-
End-of-life care preferences
Important Note:
EMS personnel cannot follow a Living Will alone during an emergency response. A MOST form or a KY EMS DNR order is needed for EMS to withhold resuscitation efforts.
What is a Healthcare POA?
A Healthcare Power of Attorney (sometimes called a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare) is a legal document in which a person proactively appoints someone they trust to make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so.
The person appointed is often called:
-
Healthcare Agent
-
Attorney-in-Fact for Healthcare
-
Healthcare POA
Important Note:
A Healthcare POA cannot order EMS personnel to withhold resuscitation efforts without a valid KY EMS DNR or MOST form present.
Healthcare
POA
Important Tips
-
Keep original documents easily accessible.
-
Inform family members where documents are located.
-
Provide copies to your physician.
-
Place documents in a consistent location within your home.
-
Review documents after major health changes.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
1 / Will EMS honor my MOST form?
Yes, when EMS personnel can verify a valid Kentucky MOST form and it applies to the patient's condition.
2 / Does a DNR mean I won't receive any treatment?
No. A DNR only addresses resuscitation efforts after cardiac or respiratory arrest.
3 / Should I keep my MOST form in a safe?
Documents should be protected but also readily accessible during an emergency. Family members should know where they are located.
4 / Can I change my mind?
Yes. Advance care planning documents can generally be revised or revoked. Consult your healthcare provider or attorney for guidance.
5 / Does Jeffersontown Fire & EMS provide legal advice?
No. Residents should consult their physician, attorney, or other qualified professionals regarding advance directives and healthcare decisions.