I can see some logic in this.

I could not believe the attitude of the nurse who refused to attempt to save the life of the woman. She talked in the most laid back non caring way to the other person as if she was ordering takeaway not asking for help. I got the impression she just didn't care and God forbid she ever looked after anyone I know. I am also a retired nurse and I know when or when not to perorm cpr but, I do not think this woman would ever have tried. It was absolutely disgraceful and heartbreaking to listen to and I suggest possibly that people listen to the tape and hear the non caring and lethargic attitude of this person, who I cannot bring myself to call a nurse. She is a disgrace to the profession!! Apologies for the rant.

When the specialist was signing mum's DNR notice it took me back many years to when my grandfather had to have a leg amputated. He had type two diabetes and after trying to hack off a corn with a pair of scissors, the wound turned gangrenous. He developed some post op complications and my poor shell-shocked grandmother was advised that it would be kinder to 'let him go' if he deteriorated. She was about to give her consent when Grandpa opened his eyes and said, 'Don't you bloody dare, Elizabeth.'

He lived for two more years and sometimes drove her crazy but she adored him.

Still don't think we have all the facts

And thanks for advise Merlot .

Galen

According to the 'Guardian' report the woman reportedly had no pulse and had stopped breathing by the time the fire crew arrived, at the Independant Living Residential Home.

Sergeant Jason Matson of the Bakersfield Police Department said it's investigation had not revealed any criminal wrongdoing, but it's inquiries were continuing.

Thanks Bags

DNR notices are essential if a resident in a care home (or their family) has stated they do not wish to be resuscitated. If paramedics are called they have no option but to try to resuscitate unless they see the DNR notice. We have mum's pinned to the notice board in her lounge as it's the first thing the medics will look for.

merlot, and you too.

Thanks bags. I have no objection to being resuscitated in my 40th year (!) My children were just 4 and 6 at the time so I am very grateful. However I would feel very differently if I was at a natural end to my life.

Merlotgran it must be terrible for you to be only able to stand by and watch your mother's distress. I sincerely hope she's released from her suffering soon.

My mother still has some quality of life and good pain control but if she became unconscious for any reason she doesn't want to be revived as she knows what life is most likely going to hold.

nfk, for you and your mum.

The operator was wrong! She should have clarified if the patient was or wasn't breathing and if there was a pulse. I wonder if the 'nurse' was qualified or just an aide?.
The operator sounded bossy and not helpful.
The fact that the woman died later in hospital makes me think that she had not arrested.
She was not pronounced 'dead on arrival'!

In her lucid moments my mother has told me she's ready to go. She has no quality of life and is often lonely, confused and in pain. Her body will not give up until its ready though and I truly hope it is soon for her sake. The dementia specialist signed a DNR notice a month ago. My brothers and I did not need any persuading.

The last thing frail and elderly people need is intervention when their body is ready to let go. Some things are meant to be.

The 911 operator wasn't actually there though.

There is also the shadow of the USA blame / compensation / litigation state of mind hovering in the background.

My * didn't work - Sorry Bags!

Bags

Do you mean the 911 operator was an ignoramus?

But * Bags * is right!

No-one has fallen out . Just had a discussion on an important issue.

Both my parents-in-law chose when they died, up to a point. FiL was admitted after a heart attack (one of many. Yes, I mean many). ubes were pushed into him to feed and water him. He pulled them out. Young doc came to put them back in. FiL stayed the doc's hand and died next day. He knew he was dying and wanted to just let it happen, not delay it.

Similarly, MiL, admitted with diabetic complications. She would not eat or drink. She'd had enough.

Nobody did anything wrong, as far as we can tell, except perhaps the hysterical person who answered the phone. Good on the nurse for keeping her cool while being yelled at by an ignoramus.

Bags

Ah well. Not worth falling out over, I hope you agree.

Which the residents agreed to before they went to live there, according to the same article.

And anyway, what was the nurse supposed to do? As galen says, you can't do CPR on someone who is breathing.

People die. Especially old people. No-one is doing anything wrong by letting it hapoen when it's happening anyway.

Bags

We will have to agree to differ on this one. I do not believe that age is the precurser to standing back and letting somebody die in front of you. The woman had no choice in this matter. Who has the right to say 'Oh she is old, let her go, don't bother'.

This was all down to the company policy of the retirement home.

We have a DNR notice in place for my mother who is in an independant living care home. She already has torn cartilage around her ribs which causes her pain so CPR would be too brutal and would mean she would probably die in severe pain.

Given the sensationalism of Fox news, in the light of which other UK newspapers mentioned here appear moderate, the responses here reflect the thoughtfulness and sensitivity of most GNs. I've been touched by your stories and comments. Thanks!

Thanks When.
She's in a care home near us which specialises in palliative care, they're all very friendly and there's a good atmosphere. She's only been there a few days but is coming to terms with her situation amazingly well. After 6 weeks in hospital with very little time out of bed (and no hair wash - not their fault, they don't have time), today she was hoisted out into her wheelchair and went outside in the sunshine before a wash and set with the visiting hairdresser. Tomorrow is Pamper Day - hand massage, manicure and nail varnish, although she may have that on her room as today was rather tiring!
Hopefully things will continue as well and she will have the end she wants.