Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders
About DNRs
DNR stands for “do not resuscitate,” a medical order that a doctor writes to make clear an individual’s request not to be resuscitated if their heart stops or breathing stops. The order instructs health care providers not to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) which can include mouth-to-mouth breathing and pressing on the chest, electric shock to restart the heart, breathing tubes to open the airway or medicines intended to restart breathing or the heart.
This medical order is made while the individual is mentally capable and conscious, or by that individual’s healthcare agent if he or she is not.
A person may not be able to state their wishes about CPR in the case of illness or injury. In this case, if the doctor has already written a DNR order at their request, the family may not override it. If they have named a healthcare agent – someone to speak for them – this person or a legal guardian can agree to a DNR order for them.
If you would like to put a DNR order in place, talk with your doctor and healthcare team. Include your healthcare agent and family in the discussion. If you have a DNR order in place, you always have the right to change your mind and request CPR.
EMS-DNR
The EMS-DNR Order has been developed by the EMS Bureau within the Epidemiology and Response Division of the New Mexico Department of Health (DOH).
This Order applies only to resuscitation attempts by health care providers in the prehospital setting –i.e., in patients’ homes, in a long term care facility, during transport to or from a heath care facility, or in other locations outside acute care hospitals. See below to download the form.
Updated February 2026. PDF for download. 4 pgs.
DOWNLOAD the EMS – DNR
This standardized EMS-DNR Order (Order) has been developed by the EMS Bureau within the Center for Health Protection of the New Mexico Department of Health (DOH). It is in compliance with Section 24-10B-4I, NMSA 1978 which directs the EMS Bureau to develop a program to authorize EMS providers to honor advance directives to withhold or terminate care.
The program is described fully in NMAC 7.27.6. A copy may be obtained by calling the EMS Bureau at 505-476-8200 or online at nmhealth.org/about/erd/emsb/advd. For covered persons in cardiac or respiratory arrest, resuscitative measures to be withheld include external chest compressions, intubation, defibrillation, administration of cardiac medications and artificial respiration. The Order does not affect the provision of other emergency medical care, including oxygen administration, suctioning, control of bleeding, administration of analgesics and comfort care.