What is an advanced directive?

An advanced directive is a legal document that outlines a patient's preferences regarding medical treatment and care preferences, particularly in situations where they may be unable to communicate their wishes due to illness or incapacity. This document can specify choices about various types of medical interventions, including preferences for life-sustaining treatment, resuscitation efforts, and other critical decisions that may need to be made on behalf of the patient. It empowers individuals to have a say in their medical care and ensures that their wishes are respected, even when they are not in a position to articulate them.

This understanding of advanced directives is crucial for EMTs and healthcare providers, as it guides the care and interventions they implement. Knowing a patient's treatment preferences can influence the approach to emergency care and help avoid unnecessary treatments that the patient may not want.