If you are in the hospital and alone surrounded by doctors, tell them to fuck off with the ventilator. You do NOT consent!
Depending on the state you live in, you can determine what level of life saving measures you want and what you don't want, and they will be binding to any hospital or doctor.
If a medical provider doesn't know - then you are "full code" meaning they will try all measures. There is also full code without intubation. A medical provider will do CPR, they will give medications, transfusions, "shock" you (defibrillate), or use non-invasive measures like oxygen or BiPAP, but they can't legally intubate you. The lowest level is DNR - do not resuscitate.
I say "Depending on the state you live in" because in some places, your family can override these wishes.
You can spell out more explicit instructions as well. So long as they are clear and not conflicting. You could have your doctor add in your medical chart: "do not intubate if suspected of having Covid-19, otherwise intubate." A hospital may or may not honor that. Our hospital would.
Depending on the state you live in, you can determine what level of life saving measures you want and what you don't want, and they will be binding to any hospital or doctor.
If a medical provider doesn't know - then you are "full code" meaning they will try all measures. There is also full code without intubation. A medical provider will do CPR, they will give medications, transfusions, "shock" you (defibrillate), or use non-invasive measures like oxygen or BiPAP, but they can't legally intubate you. The lowest level is DNR - do not resuscitate.
I say "Depending on the state you live in" because in some places, your family can override these wishes.
You can spell out more explicit instructions as well. So long as they are clear and not conflicting. You could have your doctor add in your medical chart: "do not intubate if suspected of having Covid-19, otherwise intubate." A hospital may or may not honor that. Our hospital would.