“During their last moments, they know, for instance, that they don’t want someone breaking their ribs by performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (which is what happens when CPR is done right).”
This sounds like BS. Who in their right mind, liability wise, would perform this on anyone if this were true?
Perhaps I don't understand your point. Typically, you only perform CPR on someone who is presumed DEAD.
Seems to me there is not much to lose...
FWIW-
Education of end of life care is very important!
Here is a nurse viewpoint:
http://www.codeblog.com/archives/public_service_announcement/how_do_you_suppose_being_coded.html
I wish I had been told this so I could have had discussions with older family members before crisis time. Read, Research and make decisions on what is best for your and your loved ones situations.
The liability can’t be that high- if someone needs CPR they will definately die without it so it comes down to a choice between broken ribs or death...it has been a while since I was an EMT (1970s-1980s) but at the time we were told the only liability is to do it on someone that doesn’t need it.
Because they are ABSOLUTELY gonna die without it... and probably sill anyway.
You do whatever you can to save a life, because each is precious.... even though usually futile