Family Says FL Paramedics Ignored DNR Order

An investigation is underway after a family says paramedics ignored do not resuscitate orders on a woman who suffered for 12 days before dying.

“My family had to sit beside a bed and watch someone slowly die because of that one decision to violate this DNR,” Tiffany Teregesen told WFTS-TV.

An employee of a Plant City, Florida, assisted living facility called 911 on April 1 after 81-year-old Celeste Salanitri collapsed in her bathroom. Salanitri’s had end-stage Parkinson’s disease, and her doctor had signed the DNR order just a week before.

Plant City Fire Rescue paramedics responded found Salanitri had a weak pulse and shallow respiration. On the trip to the hospital, Salanitri’s heart and breathing stopped. The report said paramedics began administering CPR.

The paramedics contacted their medical director, who advised them to continue, according to the report. Salanitri was later intubated after her breathing and heartbeat were restored, but never regained consciousness.

Plant City Fire Rescue Chief David Burnett said the investigation into her resuscitation is still ongoing.

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