Top 5 Myths About Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders in Ontario
Most of us have heard of DNR or “Do Not Resuscitate,” and you probably know it has something to do with not performing CPR if a person’s heart stops. But when it comes to the details, there’s a lot of confusion and a lot of misconceptions floating around. In fact, a Canadian survey found that while 84% of people had heard of DNR orders, only 8% had actually talked about them with a healthcare provider.
That means most people have some awareness, but not the full picture. And when it comes to end-of-life decisions, not knowing the details can leave families stressed and unsure. In this blog, we’re going to go through the top 5 myths about DNR orders in Ontario, explain what’s really true, and show why understanding this stuff can make a huge difference for you and your loved ones.
Myth #1: A DNR Order Means “Do Not Provide Any Care”
The Myth: Many people believe that a DNR order means "do not treat" or "do nothing". And when it's your loved one’s care and comfort on the line, the thought of agreeing to something that might discourage the care team from acting can be a tough pill to swallow. It’s easy to see why this myth can cause so much confusion and concern.
The Truth: A DNR order only applies to CPR. That's it.
It does not mean the patient will be left without care. Patients with a DNR order will still receive other treatments.
For example, if someone with a DNR order gets an infection, they can still receive antibiotics. If they’re in pain, pain relief will still be given.
The goal is to avoid invasive life-saving measures, like CPR, but still provide care to ensure comfort and dignity.
In fact, many healthcare professionals have been calling to do away with the term "do not resuscitate" in favour of “Allow Natural Death” (AND), as it better reflects the intention to let the body die naturally without invasive interventions.
Myth #2: In-Hospital CPR Saves Lives
The Myth: I blame Hollywood for this one. Someone calls a code, people swoop in and perform CPR, and the person is miraculously saved. After everything calms down, the patient feebly stirs, locks eyes with the health care team and thanks them for saving their life.
The Truth: When you're learning CPR on a dummy and humming Staying Alive, you're not really seeing what that does to a real person. Especially someone who is older or unwell.
Studies show that the survival rate is actually quite low, and when patients do survive, they often face serious complications, like stroke, brain injury, or punctured lungs. For patients with underlying health issues, CPR can sometimes do more harm than good.
This myth can cloud the decision-making process. It’s important to understand that DNR orders are not about avoiding care, but about making sure that we aren't winning the battle to lose the war.
It's about making sure aggressive interventions like CPR aren’t performed when survival is unlikely. Knowing the real risks helps you make a decision that’s right for your loved one’s situation and allows their remaining time to be as comfortable and dignified as possible.
Myth #3: A "Do Not Resuscitate" Tattoo is Legally Binding
The Myth: Nothing is more permanent than a tattoo, right? Some people tattoo "do not resuscitate" on their chest, thinking, “Perfect, now everyone knows my wishes!” It seems clever, bold, and you'll always have it on you...literally.
The Truth:
Nice try. Your DNR tattoo is not a legal medical order. While it makes a statement, hospitals and healthcare teams won’t treat it as binding. To ensure your wishes are respected, you need a formal DNR form filled out.
Why it Matters: You might think your tattoo looks cool, but it won’t actually guide real-life medical decisions. And let’s be honest, your wishes may have shifted since you sat in the parlour chair. So it’s back to the drawing board (pun fully intended).
Myth #4: A DNR is the same as an advance directive
The Myth: There are so many different documents dealing with your healthcare wishes (Advance Care Plans, a Power of Attorney, etc.) that it's easy to get them mixed up. Many people assume that a DNR order is just another name for an Advance Care Plan.
The Truth: Not exactly. While both are about making sure your wishes are known, they serve different purposes. An Advance Care Plan outlines your overall preferences for healthcare and end-of-life care (think organ donation, life support, etc.). A DNR order, on the other hand, has a narrow focus. It specifically tells healthcare providers not to perform CPR in case of cardiac arrest.
Why it Matters: Having both an Advance Care Plan and a DNR order makes sure your wishes are clear and complete. It takes the guesswork off their shoulders and keeps everyone on the same page, so they can focus on being there for you, not scrambling to figure out what you would want. Filling out a DNR form is just one piece of the puzzle.
Myth #5: You Can’t Have a DNR If You’re Not in the Hospital
The Myth: A lot of people think DNR orders only matter if you're at a hospital.
The Truth: A DNR order can be part of an Advance Care Plan and apply in nursing homes, hospices, or even at home (under the right conditions).
Why it Matters: Imagine an emergency arises at your loved one's nursing hom,e and everyone is scrambling because they don’t know if you want CPR. Chaos, stress, and potentially unwanted interventions could happen in the blink of an eye. Having a documented DNR order in place - even outside the hospital - removes the guesswork. It gives you control, keeps your loved ones calm, and makes sure your end-of-life decisions are respected no matter where you are.
Get the Facts About Your End of Life Care with ACE Planning Co.
DNR orders are often misunderstood, and these myths can make a stressful topic even more confusing. A DNR isn’t about refusing all medical care, and it’s not one-size-fits-all. The best decisions happen when you have honest conversations with your healthcare provider and loved ones about what a DNR means for your unique situation.
If you or a loved one is thinking about a DNR order, take the time to understand exactly what it entails and talk it through with your healthcare team. Knowing the facts helps make sure your wishes are respected and can spare your family unnecessary stress. And if you have any questions, I’m always here.
