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Council members report EMS failures to recognize DNR bracelets; consider central incident reporting and education
Summary
Members told the Connecticut Palliative Care Council of multiple recent incidents in which EMS did not accept DNR bracelets or requested physical documentation; the council proposed a central quick-report mechanism and education to identify trends and target training.
Council members described several recent cases in which emergency medical services did not accept DNR bracelets as sufficient documentation, delaying transfers or care. One provider said she could recall “at least three instances” in the last quarter where the bracelet was not recognized and ambulances delayed transport of hospice patients.
Members said the practice varies: some agencies rely on the bracelet recognition policy while others continue to request physical orders or documentation. Council members and hospice staff said that because many patients decline to carry paper orders, the bracelet functions as the most readily available indication of a DNR order, but inconsistent recognition by EMS creates confusion and potential delays.
The council discussed options for capturing incidents to identify patterns. Suggestions included a short electronic report or QR-code link that would allow providers to log events quickly and route the data to a single reviewer for trend analysis. Members also proposed targeted education for EMS and acute-care staff and for home-care providers to reduce inconsistencies.
Council staff asked members to submit suggestions for FAQ language and to share any incidents through the council’s channels so DPH and provider networks can consider focused outreach. No regulatory action was taken during the meeting; members described these steps as data collection and education planning.
