DNACPR decisions
DNACPR means 'do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation'. If the person's heart or breathing stops, their healthcare team will not try to restart it. It is about CPR only: the person still gets all their other care and treatment. A doctor can make the decision, but the person must usually be told and consulted. (NHS)
This page follows NHS guidance for England. If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, check with the care team, because the rules and forms can be different.
Signposting, not medical adviceSources checked 28 September 2026
Why DNACPR decisions are made
CPR restarts the heart or breathing for between 1 and 2 in 10 people whose heart or breathing has stopped. The chances are lower for people who are frail, seriously ill or approaching the end of their life. Only a few people make a full recovery, and CPR can break ribs and puncture lungs. (NHS)
Who makes the decision?
- Anyone with the capacity to do so can refuse CPR, at any time, and can change their mind. (NHS)
- A doctor can make a DNACPR decision even if the person does not agree, but must tell them, except where telling them would cause physical or psychological harm. The person should be consulted and have the reasons explained. (NHS)
- Nobody can demand CPR. But you have the right to be involved in, and told about, a DNACPR decision, and to ask for a second opinion. (NHS)
- Decisions must be made person by person. Making them for a group, such as everyone in a care home, is unlawful. Learning disability, autism or dementia are not reasons for a DNACPR. (NHS)
If the person can't decide for themselves
Doctors should first check for an advance decision to refuse treatment and a lasting power of attorney for health and care. Otherwise the senior doctor makes a best interests decision, and must ask the people who are important to the person about their wishes. If there is no one to ask, an independent mental capacity advocate should represent them. (NHS)
How it is recorded
The decision is usually recorded on a form, such as a DNACPR form or a ReSPECT form, and kept in the medical records. At home or in a care home, it may also be printed and kept with the person. The form is not legally binding; to make a refusal of CPR legally binding, write an advance decision to refuse treatment. (NHS)
If you're worried about a DNACPR decision
- Raise it with the doctor first, and ask for another doctor's opinion if you are still not happy. (NHS)
- If a GP made it, use the practice's complaints procedure. If a hospital doctor made it, ask to speak to the senior doctor on duty or the consultant. (NHS)
- Your local Healthwatch can tell you how to get help making a complaint. If you are still not happy after that, you can contact the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman. (NHS)
Related pages
If you need help now
If someone's life is in danger, call 999. If you need medical help urgently and are not sure what to do, call 111 (NHS 111 in England and Wales, NHS 24 in Scotland). In Northern Ireland, nidirect explains where to get urgent help.
If someone has just died
- If the death was expected, at home
- Contact their GP. If community nurses have been visiting, call them too: they can verify the death. Outside surgery hours, contact the on-call doctor.
- If the death was unexpected
- Call 999 straight away and explain what has happened. The police will also be told, because the coroner needs to know.
Sources: NHS: when to call 999 · NHS: when to use 111 · Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust · nidirect: when someone dies at home
Sources
- NHS: Do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions (Last reviewed 14 December 2023; read 28 September 2026)