So I’m making a card I can put in my wallet that has contact info and such in case I’m ever in an accident. I have some family members phone numbers, my DOB, blood type, doctor’s name and phone number, any drugs I take or conditions I have, etc. What I’d like to do is say that under no circumstances should they “pull the plug” on me. Somewhat like the opposite of a DNR order…I want them to always try to resuscitate me, and keep me on life support as long as possible.
Is there a common term used to make such a request?
Any suggestions for other info I should put on the card?
But what if my next of kin decides that I’m brain dead and they want to pull the plug. How can I make sure that it is known that my wishes go against that?
In these cases your next of kin is your default medical decision maker. You can have a living will or advanced directive drawn up that specifies that you want to be kept alive via whatever means for forever if you want to.
Editted to Clarify: a medical information card that says ‘Full Code’ means to me that when you come to the ER I’m going to do everything I can to keep you alive. However, if 3 months down the road you’re languishing in the ICU somewhere with a tube in every orrifice (and I mean EVERY), and your family decides to pull the plug that little card ain’t gonna mean diddly. It will have to be a legal document. Even then, it’s likely that they’ll still be able to pull the plug.
You need a living will, which will require lawyering. But not a whole lot, I think. They can’t necessarily force relatives to pay for you to continue living, as it were, but whatever assets (as far as I know) you had at time of death could be committed to your staying alive.
This website on New Jersey Advance Health Care Directives has a wallet card (.pdf link at bottom of page). The form notes that you have an advance directive and gives contact information for people who would have information about it.
