Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) Information

Wisconsin residents have a choice between a plastic and a metal bracelet to identify themselves as having a do-not-resuscitate order.  The written do-not-resuscitate order is issued by a physician under Chapter 154 (exit DHFS) of the Wisconsin Statutes.  

Chapter 154, Wis. Stats.,  are not intended to change the current practice of medicine in hospitals or other care facilities but are intended to streamline the care of any patient who has a known terminal condition to ensure that medical care provided in the out-of-hospital setting is consistent with the patient's desire and the attending physician's authorization.

A Do-Not-Resuscitate order instructs emergency medical technicians, first responders, and emergency health care facilities personnel to not attempt resuscitation but to only provide comfort care to a person for whom the order is issued, if that person suffers cardiac or respiratory arrest.

Two types of DNR bracelets are now available to identify a person with a valid DNR order.  The plastic bracelet (which looks like a hospital identification band) has been used in Wisconsin since 1995. The attending physician or designee attaches a standardized DNR plastic bracelet with an official insert containing the preprinted logo of the State of Wisconsin.  The insert must include the physician’s name, business telephone number and signature.

The metal bracelet (from MedicAlert®) displays the internationally recognized symbol Staff of Aesculapius on the front and the words “Wisconsin-Do-Not-Resuscitate-EMS” and the qualified patient’s first and last name engraved on the back.  There is still room on the back of the bracelet to add other health concerns and MedicAlert’s® 24 hour emergency phone number. The metal bracelet is ordered by the patients' attending physician through MedicAlert®.

Before receiving either bracelet, the attending physician must counsel the patient or the legal guardian or health care agent of an incapacitated patient, provide written information about DNR procedures, and document in the patient’s file the qualifying medical condition that warrants the DNR order.

The patient or the patient’s guardian or health care agent who signed the DNR order can revoke the DNR order by expressing to emergency health care personnel the desire that the patient be resuscitated, or by removing, or asking someone to remove the bracelet.  The attending physician must then be notified as soon as possible.  

Order forms for either bracelet can be obtained from the physician, or ordered from the Wisconsin Department of Health & Family Services, Division of Public Health, Bureau of Local Health Support and EMS by calling (608) 266-1568 or via e-mail to helen.pullen@wisconsin.gov.

Last Revised: June 30, 2008