Final answer:
An out of hospital DNR is a legal document instructing not to perform CPR outside the hospital, typically signed by the individual or their representative and countersigned by a healthcare professional, intended for use by terminally ill or severely incapacitated individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
An out of hospital DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) is a legal document that instructs medical personnel to not perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) if a person's heart stops beating or they stop breathing when they are not in a hospital setting. This type of DNR is signed by the individual themselves if they are competent to do so, or by their legally authorized representative or healthcare proxy if the person is unable to make their own medical decisions. A healthcare professional typically needs to countersign the document. The DNR applies in situations outside of the hospital, such as at home, in hospices, and in long-term care facilities.
A DNR is a crucial part of an advance directive or living will, which allows people to outline their medical preferences in anticipation of a time when they may not be able to voice their decisions. This usually is the case for individuals who are terminally ill or in the final stages of a severe illness. In many cases, the choices made in the directive are heavily influenced by a person's religious beliefs, cultural background, and personal values.