If proper DNR documents are present and the patient is pulseless and apneic, what should EMS personnel do?

When proper Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) documents are present, it signifies the patient’s wish not to receive resuscitative efforts in the event of being pulseless and apneic. In this scenario, EMS personnel are guided by the legal and ethical obligations that DNR documents entail, which prioritize the patient's autonomy—meaning they have made an informed decision regarding their own medical care, particularly in emergency situations.

By establishing that the DNR documents are valid and up to date, EMS personnel can rightfully withhold resuscitative efforts. This aligns with the ethical principles of respecting patient autonomy and honoring the healthcare decisions that the patient has made, as indicated by the presence of proper documentation. Subsequent actions should focus on appropriate documentation of the situation rather than resuscitation.

Other options would involve actions that are contrary to the patient's wishes as expressed through the DNR. Thus, honoring the documented preferences of the patient is central to providing respectful and ethical emergency medical care.