Paramedics to follow ‘rescue first’ rule if in doubt under new end-of-life law

Hong Kong paramedics will adhere to a "rescue first" principle when faced with uncertainty about resuscitation decisions following the implementation of a new end-of-life directives law next week. According to Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer Gary Tong Sze-ho of the Fire Services Department, rescuers are required to physically verify a do-not-attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DNACPR) order before withholding life-sustaining treatments. If a physical copy of the DNACPR order cannot be confirmed at the scene, paramedics will proceed with life-saving measures. This directive ensures that patients receive necessary medical intervention in situations where the validity of an end-of-life directive is unclear.