A terminally ill person can arrange for their physician to issue a document directing rescue or medical personnel to not perform life saving or resuscitation procedures on the patient. In addition, a bracelet is applied to the patient's wrist identifying their Comfort One status.

Rescue or medical personnel are required to see either the document issued by the physician or the bracelet in order to determine not to initiate life saving measures. If the bracelet has been removed or has been removed and reattached, medical and rescue personnel must initiate life saving measures under the assumption that the patient has changed his or her mind and wants to be resuscitated.

It is important to understand that a "do not resuscitate" order does not prevent medical care which is not considered "life saving" or "resuscitation". Treatment or medication to relieve fluid in the lungs, for example, or providing oxygen to ease breathing, is considered providing comfort to the patient and is permitted under the Comfort One program. However, if the patient stops breathing or the patient’s heart stops beating, no life saving medication or actions may be provided by medical or rescue personnel.

It is very important for family and friends to understand that the Comfort One procedure is issued because that is what the patient wants. These people have terminal illnesses that in most cases are very painful and energy draining. They have, therefore, decided that in the event they approach death, before the illness has run its normal course, they do not wish resuscitation and continue their suffering.  

Your physician can provide more information regarding the Comfort One program.