Compass is still being developed and is effectively in beta. Some content and features may be incomplete, change, or not work as expected.

Content is anchored to trusted sources where available, but Compass has not yet been clinically reviewed. It provides general information rather than medical advice.

Feedback helps us identify gaps, errors, usability problems and opportunities to improve Compass over time.

Care and support systems

Do not resuscitate

A recorded decision that attempts to restart the heart should not be made.

What it means

It covers one specific thing: cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It does not mean other treatment or care stops, and it does not affect comfort care, which continues either way. That distinction is the one most often misunderstood by families.

Why you might hear it

It is usually discussed as part of advance care planning.
Forms and names for it differ between countries and services.

What it is not

Not a decision to withdraw other treatment, and not a decision about ventilation.

People who may help

Where Compass goes into this

About this explanation

These are plain explanations of words you may come across, not advice about your own situation. Where a word matters to a decision, the question pages go into it properly, and your own team is the place to take it.