A living will and a DNR are two different papers. They serve different purposes. A living will covers your broad wishes about life support when you are very ill or unable to talk. A DNR (do not resuscitate) only tells medical staff not to do CPR if your heart stops or you stop breathing.
What a Living Will Covers
A living will, also called an advance directive, lays out your wishes for end-of-life care. It kicks in when you are terminally ill, in a lasting vegetative state, or unable to speak for yourself. Common choices include:
- Whether to use a breathing machine
- Whether to receive food through feeding tubes
- Whether to keep getting IV fluids and drugs
- Whether to focus only on comfort care and pain relief
A living will is a legal paper. It helps your family and doctors know what you want when your life cannot be saved by treatment. It does not cover emergencies outside a hospital setting.
Many people confuse a living will with a last will and testament. They are not the same. A last will says who gets your property after death. A living will says what medical care you want while you are still alive but cannot speak.
What a DNR Order Does
A DNR order only covers CPR. In Arizona, the field version is called a Pre-Hospital Medical Care Directive. It is printed on orange paper so first responders can spot it fast.
If someone's heart stops or they stop breathing, a DNR tells paramedics not to do CPR, use a shock device, or give advanced life support. Without a valid DNR, first responders must try to revive the person. The law requires it.
A DNR is a medical order. Your doctor signs it after talking with you. It does not replace your living will. It works alongside it for a very specific case: cardiac or breathing arrest.
Key Differences Between a Living Will and a DNR Order
- Scope: A living will covers many types of life support. A DNR only covers CPR.
- When it applies: A living will kicks in when you are terminally ill and cannot speak. A DNR kicks in during cardiac or breathing arrest.
- Who creates it: You sign a living will with witnesses or a notary. A doctor signs a DNR as a medical order.
- Where it works: A living will guides hospital and care staff. Arizona's Pre-Hospital Medical Care Directive also works in the field, where paramedics respond.
Using Both Together with a Health Care Power of Attorney
Most people benefit from having both a living will and a DNR. You should also have a health care power of attorney. This names a trusted person to make health care choices for you if you cannot speak for yourself.
These three papers work as a team. They give your family, your doctors, and first responders clear guidance. No guessing. No delays. No conflict at the worst time.
For more on how advance directives fit into a full estate plan, read what happens when there is no plan in Arizona. Clear papers mean no confusion when it matters most.