What happens when a patient arrives in the ICU on the verge of death with a tattoo on their chest that reads “Do Not Resuscitate”? This story may sound like a hypothetical question a student would be asked in a med school classroom, but it actually happened to hospital staff in Miami recently. Time was of the essence if the man’s life was to be saved, so medical workers had to decide if they would honor the tattoo or not. Making the ethical decision even muddier, the man’s tattoo included a signature, and he arrived at the emergency room unconscious and without identification. You can imagine what a conundrum this lack of clarity caused. Were the doctors to assume the tattoo was an accurate reflection of the patient’s wishes? Or was the tattoo the result of one regretful night of drinking? A ONE-OF-A-KIND DNR CASE Is a Tattoo LEGALLY BINDING?
They decided they should contact an ethics consultant to determine how best to proceed. In the meantime, they did everything they could to keep the patient alive without needing to violate a potential DNR request. Eventually, they were able to track down the patient’s official DNR, and he passed away peacefully the next morning. This story may be extreme, but it serves to illustrate just how important it is to create official documents like a medical power of attorney and living will. When you have these papers and carry your ID on you, doctors won’t have to guess your wishes. Instead, they’ll be able to contact somebody you trust to ensure you get the care you want. Would you rather have your wishes legally preserved and easily accessible, or are you better off with a tattoo? The answer is pretty obvious. BACON-WRAPPED TATER TOT BOMBS MICHELE’S RECIPE CORNER
take a break
Sure, your showoff pal can wrap a tater tot with a piece of bacon and call it “The Daniel,” but you can take it a step further. Prepare a couple batches of these savory snacks for your Super Bowl party or the next family get-together. Snag a few for yourself before they disappear! • 2 cups frozen tater tots, defrosted • 1 ounce sharp cheddar, cut into 1/4-inch squares • 4 slices bacon, quartered 1. Heat oven to 400 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. 2. Press a cheese square into each INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS
• 1/4 cup brown sugar • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
3. Place tots seam side down on baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, using metal tongs to turn halfway through. 4. Garnish with parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
tot, then wrap with a piece of bacon. Dredge each tot in brown sugar.
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