I wish that these tattoos carried as much weight as a paper DNR. People that prefer DNR currently have no way to express their wishes when outside of a health care facility.
> And there’s good reason to be cautious. Back in 2012, Lori Cooper at the California Pacific Medical Center was caring for a (conscious) patient who was going to have a leg amputated, when she noticed a “DNR” tattoo on his chest. The man revealed that he got the tattoo after losing a poker bet many years ago, and actually, he would very much like to be resuscitated if the need arose. “It was suggested that he consider tattoo removal to circumvent future confusion about his code status,” Cooper wrote. “He stated he did not think anyone would take his tattoo seriously and declined tattoo removal.”
He should have it covered up if he doesn't mean it.
I'm just saying there are some reasons to consider tattooed DNRs invalid. While the guy, in this case, could have obviously covered up his tattoo prior to his scheduled surgery (permanently or temporarily), what if he had been in an unexpected accident?
I don't have any tattoos but a quick google says removal is expensive too. I guess you could have someone tattoo over it, but, in the article, they mention a man who had come from a nursing facility. I'm not sure how practical it is to suggest he should have had it removed/covered up prior.
I like the basis of killjoywashere's suggestion, but, in a more centralized way that would allow you to register your intentions in a way that hospitals could easily check on your desires and status.
The tatoo is not legally binding. It never was. As stated in the article, it can't even give the kind of reassurance that is required by law (indication of rational descision)
Why should he have expected that it works?
A paper DNR has a paper trail that permits authentication. A tattoo does not.
Make sure to inform your friends and family, so they can record any interactions between hospital administration and the physicians and nurses, in order to post the fruit of your epic trolling to the public network.
However, carrying a POLST form on you at all times would seem easier, even if you wore it in a locket around your neck.