Honoring the right to die in medical emergencies.

Abstract

On July 1, 1995, Hawaii's new DNR or comfort care only law will go into effect. Under specific circumstances, the new law allows and directs ambulance/emergency medical services personnel, first responder personnel, and others to honor the wishes of terminally ill patients who do not want to be resuscitated during a medical emergency. The law also protects emergency personnel from liability if they have a good-faith belief that resuscitation is necessary.