What are advance directives?

Advance directives are legal documents that outline a person's preferences regarding medical treatment and care while they are still alive, particularly in situations where they may not be able to communicate their wishes themselves due to illness or incapacity. These directives commonly include strategies for healthcare providers, detailing specific interventions the individual does or does not want, including decisions about life-sustaining treatment, resuscitation efforts, and other critical care preferences.

The focus on living patients in advance directives distinguishes them from options related to after death, treatment approvals, and emergency response guidelines, which either address issues that arise posthumously or are unrelated to the personal healthcare preferences of the individual while they are still alive. Understanding this distinction is crucial for first responders and healthcare personnel, as following a patient's advance directive can ensure that their wishes are honored during critical medical situations.