This easy read uses some long words, but we will explain what they mean. 

CPR is a way to get a person’s heart beating if it stops. 

It means Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, but most people call it CPR.

DNACPR is an instruction not to use CPR this if a person’s heart stops.  

It means Do Not Attempt CPR. 

It is sometimes called DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) or DNAR (Do Not Attempt Resuscitation). 

If your heart stops beating, someone might do CPR. 

They will push down on your chest to try and make it beat again.  

They might put a mask on your face to help you breathe. 

You might need an electric shock to help make your heart beat. 

This is to try and save your life. 

If the doctors do not think you will get better, they might not do CPR. 

CPR might not always work. 

You could still die after having CPR. 

DNACPR stands for Do Not Attempt CPR. 

It tells doctors not to do CPR if your heart has stopped beating.

It is a special form that goes into your health records. 

You can ask for a DNACPR. 

Or your doctor might give you a DNACPR. 

Even if CPR is not done, doctors will still do other things to try and keep you alive. 

You can choose not to have CPR.

You might not want CPR because it can cause some problems.

It can cause your ribs to break or damage your brain. 

It can give you lots of pain but you might only live for a short time longer. 

A DNACPR tells your doctor that you do not want CPR. 

You will need to ask for a form called an Advanced Decision to Refuse Treatment (ADRT). 

You will need to speak to your doctor if you want a DNACPR. 

You will also need to speak to your family or support worker. 

You will need to put a copy of this form in your health records. 

You can only make decisions about CPR if you have capacity.

If you do not have capacity, the choice will need to be made for you.  

We have a guide on consent and capacity. 

Sometimes you might still get CPR even if you have a DNACPR.

If you are in a public place and you need help, people might not know you do not want CPR. 

Paramedics from an ambulance might do CPR to try and keep you alive before you get to the hospital.

A doctor can decide to give you a DNACPR. 

They can do this even if you do not agree with them.  

You must be told if a DNACPR has been done for you. 

You must be told what a DNACPR means. 

They must help you understand why you have been given a DNACPR.  

A learning disability, autism or dementia can not be the reason for being given a DNACPR.

A doctor can only refuse CPR when they think it will not work and it would not stop you dying.

If you do not agree with the doctor, you can ask for a different doctor to give their opinion. 

You can also make a complaint if you do not agree.