Petition for the Modernization of Ontario’s Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) System

To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

Whereas:

Every Ontarian has the right to have their end-of-life decisions respected, including in emergency situations outside of healthcare facilities.

Ontario’s current DNR system requires first responders to resuscitate unless an official paper DNR form is physically present, creating unnecessary distress for patients, families, and emergency personnel.

There is no centralized or standardized method for first responders to verify valid DNR orders, leading to avoidable confusion, legal uncertainty, and potentially unwanted medical interventions.

A lack of a provincial DNR registry prevents emergency responders from accessing critical information when seconds count.

The current reliance on physical documentation results in traumatic experiences for families and undue stress for emergency personnel who are forced to make difficult decisions without adequate support.

We, the undersigned, call upon the Government of Ontario to:

Establish a Provincial DNR Registry – Implement a secure, centralized database accessible to paramedics, firefighters, and police to verify valid DNR orders in real-time.

Update Policies, Procedures & Protocols – Develop standardized and legally backed guidelines for first responders to ensure patient wishes are honored consistently and appropriately.

Ensure Proper Tracking & Monitoring of DNR Orders – Improve documentation and accessibility of DNRs to eliminate uncertainty and enhance compliance with patient directives.

Protect Families from Trauma – Introduce a modernized system that prevents unnecessary resuscitations due to missing paperwork, providing peace of mind for families and caregivers.

Support First Responders with Clear Guidelines – Reduce ethical and legal dilemmas for paramedics, firefighters, and police by providing clear, accessible directives to follow in the field.

Preserve Dignity in Emergencies – Allow individuals who have chosen not to be resuscitated to pass peacefully without unnecessary medical interventions.

By implementing these changes, Ontario will ensure that patient autonomy is respected, families are spared additional distress, and first responders have the necessary tools to make informed and compassionate decisions.

Sign this petition to demand immediate action from the Ontario government!

For more information and to support this cause:

📢 Sign the petition: https://www.change.org/OntarioDNRChange 

📢 Join the discussion: www.facebook.com/groups/ontariodnrchange

📢 Contact your local MPP and urge them to support this necessary policy change.

#FixOntarioDNR #RespectPatientWishes #DignityInEmergencies #SupportFirstResponders #PolicyChangeNow