How should an EMS provider attempt to verify the validity of the DNR/POLST?

Verifying the validity of a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order or Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form is critical in emergency medical situations. Confirming the patient's name, age, and condition of identification is essential because it helps ensure that the DNR or POLST indeed applies to the patient being treated.

It also verifies that the documentation is associated with the right individual, minimizing the risk of errors, especially in high-pressure situations such as emergencies where quick decision-making is key. Ensuring that the document belongs to the patient strengthens the provider’s legal and ethical standing when deciding to respect the wishes outlined in the DNR or POLST.

While checking the expiration date, looking for the patient's signature, and consulting emergency contacts may have relevance in other contexts, they do not provide the comprehensive verification needed to directly confirm that the document is applicable to the patient currently in need of care. Therefore, confirming the patient's identity creates a foundation for all other checks concerning the validity of the DNR/POLST form.