What is the recommended action if EMS personnel arrive and no DNR forms are present?

Continuing resuscitative efforts until a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is provided is the appropriate action in this scenario. This approach is grounded in the principle of preserving life and the protocols that guide Emergency Medical Services (EMS) when they encounter a patient without clearly established wishes regarding resuscitation.

When EMS personnel arrive at the scene and cannot locate a DNR form or directive, they follow the default assumption that the patient desires all available medical interventions to be performed. This reflects a commitment to immediate action in potentially life-threatening situations, where the patient's wishes must be established clearly to override standard emergency care procedures.

Performing resuscitative efforts ensures that if the patient does wish to be resuscitated, they receive timely care. It is only upon confirmation of a DNR directive—through a recognized form or verbal confirmation from the patient's legal representative—that EMS personnel would halt resuscitation efforts. This procedure protects both the patient’s right to life and the legal liabilities for the EMS providers, who must act according to established protocols until clear documentation is provided.

The alternative responses may compromise patient care or divert attention away from necessary life-saving interventions in a critical moment. Therefore, continuing efforts until a definitive directive is obtained aligns with both ethical