Advanced Directives

Accidents and illness can strike at any age, therefore it is suggested that anyone over the age of 18 should think about preparing Advanced Directives. Advanced Directives are a set of instructions that you prepare outlining your preferences for medical treatment in the case of an accident or medical emergency. These are important should you ever be in a situation where you are unable to communicate with your doctor or the medical staff. There are three common types of Advanced Directives, which are summarized below:

Living Wills
A living will is a legal document that is prepared to specify your wishes with regard to medical care should you be unable to communicate or make your own health care decisions. This document allows doctors and medical providers to know and respect those wishes.

Power of Attorney
This is a legal document that allows someone (usually a close friend or relative) to act on your behalf and make medical decisions for you should you be unable to do so for yourself.

DNR Orders
Also known as Do Not Recessitate orders, these are prepared by individuals who do not want medical intervention should they stop breathing on their own. A DNR is not a necessary component of Advanced Directives.

Longmont Surgery Center recognizes and respects patient requests with regard to Advanced Directives. Please inform us if you have a Living Will or Advanced Directives when you are admitted for any procedure. You and your individual physician must agree on any course
of action that would take place in the event of an emergency. Without
Advanced Directives it is our policy to intervene in the case of any
emergency, stabilize all patients and transfer them to the
Longmont United Hospital when necessary. 

If you would like more information on preparing Advanced Directives
please contact a legal professional or visit
http://www.coloradoadvancedirectives.com