What should be done if no DNR form is available upon patient arrival?

In a scenario where no Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) form is available upon patient arrival, the appropriate course of action is to begin CPR measures immediately. This decision is based on the principle of preserving life and assuming the individual does not have an advance directive stating otherwise. Without a formal DNR document, the default assumption is that the patient would want resuscitative measures to be initiated.

Initiating CPR aligns with medical ethics, which prioritize saving lives in the absence of explicit instructions not to do so. The protocol supports the idea that unless there is clear evidence of a patient's wishes against resuscitation, healthcare providers must act to restore and sustain life.

It is vital to emphasize that, while consulting with the patient's family or calling for medical oversight are critical steps in various situations, these actions do not take precedence over immediately beginning CPR when a DNR is not present. Time is of the essence in critical care situations, and immediate action can often determine the outcome for the patient.