Thinking and talking about medical decisions near the end of life can be difficult, but having the right information can make it easier. One important document in BC is the No CPR form—a medical order that tells health care providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if your heart stops.

What is the No CPR Form?

The No CPR form is an official document created by the BC Ministry of Health. It is signed by both you (or your legal substitute decision-maker) and your doctor, nurse practitioner, or other authorized health professional. If this form is present and valid, emergency personnel and health providers will not attempt CPR. Without it, they are legally required to begin resuscitation, even if it might not be wanted or helpful.

Why Might Someone Choose No CPR?

CPR can be life-saving in younger, otherwise healthy people. However, for older adults who are frail or living with advanced illness, CPR is very unlikely to restore meaningful quality of life. It can also cause broken ribs, internal injuries, or prolonged suffering. Many people imagine CPR as something gentle that brings you back, but in reality, when performed on someone who is seriously ill or elderly, the chance of surviving to leave hospital is extremely low.

Choosing “No CPR” is not about giving up. It is about making a thoughtful decision to avoid medical interventions that are unlikely to help, and to ensure a more peaceful death.

How to Get a No CPR Form

If you feel this decision is right for you, the process is straightforward:

1. Talk to your health care provider — Your family doctor, nurse practitioner, or a nurse at your local clinic can explain the form and whether it fits your situation.
2. Have the form completed and signed — Both you (or your legal substitute) and your health professional must sign.
3. Keep the form accessible — Place it where emergency responders can find it quickly: often on the fridge, by the bedside, or in a wallet or purse. Many people also keep a copy in their car if they travel off-island or away from home.

The form is free and available through health authorities or online from the BC Ministry of Health.

How Does This Fit with Other Planning?

The No CPR form is different from an Advance Directive or Representation Agreement. Those documents outline broader health care wishes and name decision-makers. The No CPR form is a very specific order about one intervention: resuscitation. Some people have both; together, they ensure wishes are respected in urgent situations and in ongoing care.

Why It Matters

Having a No CPR form can bring peace of mind. It relieves family members of uncertainty in a crisis, ensures emergency workers know your wishes, and allows you to approach end of life in a way that reflects your values.

Talking about this choice may feel uncomfortable at first, but many families find relief once it’s done. It’s not about choosing death—it’s about choosing the kind of care, and the kind of ending, that feels right for you.