Should you honor a DNR order on board?

Should you honor a DNR order on board?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only if a physician aboard says it's acceptable
• D. It depends on the flight crew policy

Answer: (B)

The situation on board a flight is governed by the duty to preserve life and the practical limits of validating medical orders in that setting. A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is tied to a specific location, documentation, and legal context, and those conditions aren’t reliably verifiable mid-flight. Without clear, accessible, and legally valid DNR documentation, flight crews are expected to initiate life-preserving care, including CPR and the use of an AED, until the passenger can receive proper medical evaluation and a physician on the ground or on board can provide a decision with appropriate documentation. That’s why the best choice is not to honor a DNR on board.

The situation on board a flight is governed by the duty to preserve life and the practical limits of validating medical orders in that setting. A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is tied to a specific location, documentation, and legal context, and those conditions aren’t reliably verifiable mid-flight. Without clear, accessible, and legally valid DNR documentation, flight crews are expected to initiate life-preserving care, including CPR and the use of an AED, until the passenger can receive proper medical evaluation and a physician on the ground or on board can provide a decision with appropriate documentation. That’s why the best choice is not to honor a DNR on board.