Ok, if i were in an emergency and needed blood, would i need someone to sign an authorization for me to receive? Would my JW family get in trouble if they signed? How can I authorize a firend to sign? What do I wirite and how do I do this?
authorization for blood
by isaacaustin 7 Replies latest jw friends
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Heaven
I'm in Ontario. One of my Dad's neighbours is a retired nurse. She told me that in an emergency, you are given blood unless the treatment is refused. They don't check for a Blood Card. So if you are wheeled in unconscious and need blood, you get it. Their number one priority is to try to save your life.
Isaac, you may want to check with your doctor or your local hospital on what their procedures are.
Also, regarding what your medical wishes are, you may wish to speak with a lawyer on how to document this. This may include appointing a friend as your Power of Attorney regarding Medical Care.
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teel
They don't check for a Blood Card.
No offense, but that's irresponsible. If you're unconscious they should check for documents before doing anything to you - a good friend of mine almost got her brain destroyed because she was unconscious and noone bothered to check her documents before trying to "save her life", and administered a drug that was almost lethal in her case.
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Heaven
No offense, but that's irresponsible.
Teel, unfortunately, time is a factor that can be costly in emergency cases, especially if you're losing blood fast. I understand what you're saying but this is what I was told. This may not be the case in all situations nor in all provinces, states, countries.
As far as Issac's question goes, he needs an advocate outside of the JW circle that is legally setup to speak on his behalf and he should carry that info. with him at all times.
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isaacaustin
Heaven check your pm
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Heaven
Isaac... got it. PM'ed you back.
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JAG913
Isaac,
Hello! I have just finished going through what you are referring to. I am engaged to an ex-witness, whose mother is a devote JW. She told us that since she is next of kin, she would refuse blood for him because she believes he'll come back to the society one day and should die faithful. Needless to say, we had to put something into place until I am legally his wife and decision maker.
I think each state has it's own laws (I only know mine in Michigan). Go to your local hospital (or website) and research a "Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare". In Michigan, you would get and fill out the form (it's available online), choosing an advocate for yourself and having 2 witnesses sign it. It has room for you to put your health care wishes. This takes all of the guess work out of it.
Like I said, you'll have to research it based on your state, but I included a link to my hospitals page about Durable Power of Attorney (it includes a pdf of the form you can download if this works for your state).
http://www.beaumonthospitals.com/quality/durable-power-attorney-health-care
Best of Luck!
Jaime
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blondie
Isaac, if you are unconscious, for sure. They check with the spouse for authorization. So get a healthcare POA and file it with your doctor, clinic, hospital, of course, your healthcare agents. Check to see if your spouse (if non-jw) can override the POA though.