Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Question: About eight years ago, the state enacted some sort of legislation that was called CCO (compassionate care only). It was sort of an apothecary thing that we had to purchase a bracelet (which we wear at all times), and it has the doctor's name and CCO stamped on it. I have worn mine ever since, but apparently some medical personnel in the hospitals know nothing about it. In my case, I had a heart attack and after that filled out the forms for the bracelet. It indicates that in the event of another stroke, I do not wish to be resuscitated! Thus, if I was incapacitated and someone called Emergency Medical Services, they would see this medical bracelet, which I wear around the clock. Doctors I know are aware of this, but some people in surgery and other parts of the clinics and hospitals appear to be unaware of this law. ‘Do not resuscitate’
bracelets explainedAnswer: You apparently have a bogus bracelet. The legitimate CCO-DNR (compassionate care only -- do not resuscitate) bracelets or necklaces are issued only to terminally ill patients and only through an approved state vendor, said Donna Maiava, chief of the state Emergency Medical Services Branch.
Her office keeps a list of those who have been issued a bracelet or necklace, a list that numbers in the thousands, she said.
The "Compassionate Care Only -- Do Not Resuscitate" law was passed by the state Legislature in 1995.
To qualify for a CCO bracelet or necklace, a person must be over 18 and have a "declaration signed by a physician that the person has a terminal condition, one from which they are not anticipated to recover," Maiava said.
The bracelet or necklace alerts paramedics and other rescue/emergency personnel, as well as hospital emergency staff, that in a medical emergency they are to provide the wearer only with comfort measures, such as oxygen and pain medication.
The declaration specifies "no efforts will be made to restart my heart or breathing, if my heart or breathing stops," including specifically no pushing on the chest or electric shocks, rescue breathing or medicines to restart breathing or the heart.
Each official bracelet or necklace has a specific numbered ID and costs $10.99.
"Incredible," Maiava said, when told about your bracelet. "It sounds like somebody has gotten a copy of ours, because the (snake/staff emblem) is comparable to what we use, but I don't think it is legitimate."
The Health Department has a vendor -- Apothecary Products -- whose local retailer is PEP Hawaii, through which the bracelets/necklaces are available.
As for alerting medical emergency staff about the CCO bracelets, Maiava said ambulance, fire, police and ocean safety personnel, as well as hospital emergency room staff, all are aware of the CCO law.
If you have further questions, call 733-9210.
Auwe
To the dark-haired woman driving a purple Dodge Stratus at the Waipio Gentry intersection of Kamehameha Highway and Ka Uka Street (by the north exit of Central Oahu Regional Park). At 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 24, while waiting for the light, she collected snack bags and paper and threw them out her window on the road. What about emptying your trash into your garbage can at home? I hope other adults will be a more responsible example for your children! --- No Name
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