Do Not Resuscatate?

The term "Do Not Resuscatate" has long been used in the medical field - in layman's terms it means to allow a natural death.

Do Not Resuscitate written on a patient's treatment sheet directs doctors not to attempt to revive a person if they suffer cardiac or respritory arrest.

The order to allow a natural death must be given in advance by the patient or someone entitled to make a decision on their behalf.

Do Not Resuscitate is often chosen by patients who wish to avoid painful or prolonged medical procedures.

Is TV art imitating life?...

On the season finale of Gray's Anatomy, the character Izzie, who suffered a brain tumor, went into surgery and had requested a Do Not Resuscitate order; when she came out she lost consciousness, leaving the audience to wonder if the doctors would save her despite her direct orders.

Oddly enough this ficticious situation is not always far from the truth, and many medical practioners find reasons to save someone despite a Do Not Resuscatate order.

Many practicioners are calling for an official name change to the Do Not Resuscitate order. Many doctors and nurses insist that the DNR order sounds too heartless and would feel more comfortable following one if it were renamed to "Allow Natural Death"