A controversial New York "do not resuscitate" guideline has been rescinded following public outcry, reports the New York Post.
The order, originally issued in response to the overwhelming number of coronavirus patients in New York City, instructed paramedics not to attempt to revive those without a pulse.
A previous guideline limited paramedics to 20 minutes of attempting to revive those in cardiac arrest, but health officials said the update was "necessary during the COVID-19 response to protect the health and safety of EMS providers by limiting their exposure, conserve resources, and ensure optimal use of equipment to save the greatest number of lives," according to a state Health Department memo.
Health department officials quickly retracted the order.
"This guidance, proposed by physician leaders of the EMS Regional Medical Control Systems and the State Advisory Council — in accordance with American Heart Association guidance and based on standards recommended by the American College of Emergency Physicians and adopted in multiple other states — was issued April 17, 2020 at the recommendation of the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, and reflected nationally recognized minimum standards," the Health Department said in a statement.
"However," it added, "they don't reflect New York's standards, and for that reason, DOH Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker has ordered them to be rescinded."
Solange Reyner ✉
Solange Reyner is a writer and editor for Newsmax. She has more than 15 years in the journalism industry reporting and covering news, sports and politics.
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