A "do not resuscitate" choice isn't a switch between "do everything" and "give up". This helps you think it through, find the words, and take them to your family and your GP.
If this is an emergency, don't use this tool — call 000 now.
Chest pain, trouble breathing, signs of stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech), severe bleeding, or thoughts of harming yourself: call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department. Lifeline 13 11 14.
Just to check in
Thinking about the end of life can bring up a lot. Just to check — are you planning for the future and what you'd want, or are you struggling and could use someone to talk to right now?
Please reach out
What this choice really is
A "do not resuscitate" choice isn't "do nothing" — and it isn't giving up. Care, comfort and dignity continue either way. What you're deciding is one specific thing: whether you'd want CPR if your heart or breathing stops.
Here's a way to start saying it, out loud or in writing:
Three ways this can go — yours to weigh
Each option presented equally. The marker shows only the leaning in your own words — not a recommendation.
Full resuscitation (attempt CPR)
Allow natural death (no CPR / DNR)
A middle ground — discuss limits
What it means
If your heart or breathing stops, the team attempts CPR — chest compressions, possibly a breathing tube, shocks, intensive care.
If your heart or breathing stops, no CPR is attempted; the focus stays on comfort and a peaceful, natural death.
You want some things tried but not others, or it depends on your situation at the time — decided with your doctor.
What it does not mean
It does not guarantee it works, and it isn't always gentle.
It does not mean stopping care, pain relief, treatment of reversible problems, or being abandoned. Comfort care continues fully.
It does not mean "undecided forever" — it means "let's tailor it".
Honest context (general, not about you)
CPR is more likely to help a previously well person whose heart stops suddenly; for people who are frail or very unwell, it works far less often and can be distressing. (general, cited)
Many people choose this when their priority is comfort and dignity over length of life at any cost.
Common, valid, and often the most realistic — most people's real answer has conditions.
Full resuscitation (attempt CPR)
What it means
If your heart or breathing stops, the team attempts CPR — chest compressions, possibly a breathing tube, shocks, intensive care.
What it does not mean
It does not guarantee it works, and it isn't always gentle.
Honest context (general, not about you)
CPR is more likely to help a previously well person whose heart stops suddenly; for people who are frail or very unwell, it works far less often and can be distressing. (general, cited)
Allow natural death (no CPR / DNR)
What it means
If your heart or breathing stops, no CPR is attempted; the focus stays on comfort and a peaceful, natural death.
What it does not mean
It does not mean stopping care, pain relief, treatment of reversible problems, or being abandoned. Comfort care continues fully.
Honest context (general, not about you)
Many people choose this when their priority is comfort and dignity over length of life at any cost.
A middle ground — discuss limits
What it means
You want some things tried but not others, or it depends on your situation at the time — decided with your doctor.
What it does not mean
It does not mean "undecided forever" — it means "let's tailor it".
Honest context (general, not about you)
Common, valid, and often the most realistic — most people's real answer has conditions.
There's no right answer here — only your answer. Your doctor can talk you through what these would mean for your situation.
A few honest things
A few honest things:
CPR isn't like it looks on TV. On television most people survive; in real life, for people who are frail or seriously unwell, it works far less often, and it can mean broken ribs, a breathing machine, and intensive care — outcomes worth knowing before you choose. (general, cited)
This is reversible. You can change your mind any time. A recorded wish is a strong, clear guide for the people caring for you — not a one-way door.
Writing it down is what makes it count. A wish in your head can't speak for you in an emergency. To be followed reliably it usually needs to be in the right document for your state — and your decision-maker and GP need to know it exists.
A document alone isn't the whole job. The conversation with your family and GP matters as much as the form — it's what stops your wishes being a surprise at the worst moment.
The law and the form differ by state. What's valid in Victoria isn't identical to NSW or Queensland. Use your state's official form (below).
Your culture, faith and family matter here — there's no single right way, and your doctor or a chaplain/elder can be part of the conversation.
Keep it · take it with you
Email yourself your resuscitation-wishes summary
Your values, the option you're leaning toward, your conversation opener, and the link to your state's form — to keep and to bring to your GP.
Sent — check your inbox. Here's your summary again so you can screenshot it now.
This is a summary to talk through and to take to your doctor. It is NOT a legal advance-care directive — use your state's official form to make it count.
My values:
My decision-maker:
Date discussed with my GP:
My state's official form:https://www.advancecareplanning.org.au/create-your-plan/advance-care-planning-forms-and-templates
This needs your child's medical team
Decisions about a seriously ill child are made closely with your child's medical team and are deeply personal — this general tool isn't the right place. Your treating team and a paediatric palliative care service can support you. If this is an emergency, call 000.
General information to help you think and talk this through. Not medical or legal advice, and not an emergency service. Your resuscitation wishes are yours to decide with your doctor and family, and to record on your state's official form. In an emergency call 000.