Final answer:
The EMS crew should withhold resuscitation if the patient has a verbal Do Not Resuscitate order from the family, provided this aligns with local laws and the EMS system's policies. EMS personnel should also consider the patient's right to autonomy and the family's statements as indicators of the patient's wishes in the absence of the physical DNR document.
Therefore , option D is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
When EMS arrives on the scene of a full cardiac arrest of a terminally ill cancer patient where the family indicates there is a valid Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order but cannot locate it immediately, the EMS crew should follow the guidelines laid out by their medical protocol and the local legal requirements. If it is clear that the patient is terminally ill and the family, presumably with knowledge of the patient's wishes, is adamant about not wanting resuscitation, the EMS may decide to withhold resuscitation. However, the specific action may depend on the jurisdiction and the EMS system's policies regarding verbal DNRs and how to proceed if a physical copy is not present.
In such situations, legal and ethical considerations must be weighed against the patient's right to autonomy and the family's understanding of the patient's wishes. Advanced directives such as a DNR are legally binding, and typically, medical personnel avoid providing unwanted treatments in line with these directives. Nonetheless, due to the absence of the document, the EMS personnel must use their best judgement, consider all available information, and may also consult with medical control for further direction.