Policy Bulletin

Policy Bulletin 556

Why was the policy changed?

GL 800-4 were changed to clarify the responsibilities of non-health services staff with respect to initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)/first aid when responding to a medical emergency.

GL 800-4 state that the primary goal when responding to medical emergencies is the preservation of life. Previously, they also stated that initiation of CPR by non-health services staff was not required where the inmate was believed to be dying from natural causes and had a known valid Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order posted.

The change will remove the risk related to requiring non-health services staff to have knowledge of an existing valid DNR order or to make judgements about whether or not an inmate with a DNR order is dying from natural causes.

What has changed?

Paragraph 7 previously listed four situations in which initiation of CPR by non-health services staff was not required. Paragraphs 7c and d, which referred to non-health services staff’s knowledge of an existing valid DNR order, have been removed.

A sentence was added to clearly state that the primary goal is the preservation of life regardless of the possible existence of an advanced medical directive or DNR order.

How was it developed?

Health Services responded to the concerns raised by non-health services staff with regard to the requirement that they have knowledge of an existing valid DNR order or that they make judgements about whether or not an inmate with a DNR order is dying from natural causes.

Accountabilities?

Health Services.

Who will be affected by the change?

Non-health services staff and contractors.

For more information

To learn about upcoming or ongoing consultations on proposed federal regulations, visit the Canada Gazette and Consulting with Canadians websites.