If no valid form of DNR is produced, what action should prehospital personnel take?

In situations where a valid Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is not presented, the appropriate course of action for prehospital personnel is to initiate resuscitative measures. The rationale behind this is grounded in the principle of preserving life and the lack of specific guidelines from the patient indicating they do not wish to receive life-saving interventions.

Without a valid DNR, emergency medical responders are obligated to perform their duties, which include attempting to resuscitate the patient if they are unresponsive or in cardiac arrest. This position is supported by the notion that unless explicitly stated otherwise through proper documentation, healthcare providers must act in the best interest of the patient, which includes offering care intended to stabilize their condition.

Consulting medical control may be a necessary step under certain circumstances, especially if there is ambiguity in the situation, but it does not replace the immediate need for basic life support measures in the absence of a DNR. Additionally, withholding care until the family arrives or transporting the patient without any intervention would not align with the EMS protocols aimed at providing timely and effective medical care to individuals in critical situations.