Quote:
Originally Posted by akosnitzky
Wirelessly posted (Its All About the U!)
I am surprised. They are usually pretty clear. sorry for your loss whenever it was
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It's cool. Long time ago as well.
The issue that can come into play is interpretive and focuses on the grey areas that exist in
any document. For example, assume that the living will states "no heroic efforts" and no revival, etc. Fairly common terms for a living will. Further assume that the person is cogent, but that they begin to slip into shock while you are with them at their residence -- not in the hospital. Do you take them to the hospital, get them into the ICU or do you stay with them and let them die -- knowing that if you do so you are following the dying persons wishes but you may well have other family members second guess your judgement. Also, in this context,
how accurate is your assessment? Can you identify shock? Do you know that this is the end-game. You may make a decision that will cost the person some days or weeks of life, although typically not months or years.
Don't get me wrong -- living wills are without a doubt the way to go to clarify these matters. But any responsible party for a living will should know full well that there may be tough decisions that need to be made as they carry out their duties.