One has to do the best one can to protect themselves (make their wishes known), however all the precaution in the world cannot guarantee. Preparation and "communication", helps give me peace of mind. After reading that they can't or won't look in your purse or wallet, that scared me because I didn't know that. That is why I wear my bracelet.

One thing is when I gave my doctor my Durable Power of Attorney for health care she said she was going to scan it, so if someone wants to gain access to my chart by computer, a flag pops up that identifies me as one of Jehovah's Witnesses and to read my document. When I went in for a procedure, I was telling one of the nurses I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses, and she said yes, I know, I saw that on your chart, but it is very good to tell us anyway. I live in Washington State USA. I was wondering if this is something new? Is this only done in Washington? However how good would this computer system be in an emergency if they didn't have my name?

It seems to be an ongoing conversation when it comes to identifying ourselves as not wanting a blood transfusion. Any hospital that has a computerized medical record system should be able to scan the Power of Attorney for Healthcare and "flag" it to show up if someone retrieves your medical record. This is great if the patient is a regular admission, or even visiting the ER as a conscious patient. The problem continues to be how to best identify ourselves if we present to the ER in an unconscious state, and life sustaining measures are required. Will they get into our pockets or purses to look for the POA? Not likely. Will they put forth the extra effort if you have a bracelet on that states "No Blood" or "POA in wallet"? Perhaps. There is no easy answer, but sadly, I've heard of patients being transfused because no-one looked for a POA due to the urgency of the situation. So I guess what I'm trying to say is, short of tatooing it on our foreheads, the more avenues we use to make sure people know we do not want a blood transfusion, the better the chances are that someone will take the time to look through our belongings and find the legal form they need to avoid giving an unwanted transfusion.

Great discussion

how about an electronic bracelet / necklace, hdd ?? you could have a video of signing directives or a simple xcell file with directions nrs etc,, dunno it could be a blood drop shaped storage device with an etched nr on casing if it is damaged where you could contact a database??, perhaps this would be a breach of ones privacy, but i think this idea could be modified to suit, any suggestions

thanks for all of the different view points it gives us all something to keep in mind, just how prepared we all really are, but jehovah reminds us all the time to stay on our toes, be watchful. he knows what best.

One of the Elders in my congregation made the point of saying to have copies of the DPA/POA/"No Blood" Card in every possible place available to us. Put one in the glove box, one in the back of your car, in your brief case, your purse (wallet and a pocket in your purse), your diaper bag (if you have children).

There is a Sister I know who has her "No Blood" Card Laminated and taped to the console of her car. It is very visible.

As 1 of Jehovah's Witnesses we need to always be prepared, organized, and well equipt for whatever may come our way, especially in an emergency. As Shelia said we need to be on our toes, especially if we have a family or are single, always Listening and Paying close attention to Jehovah.

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Wendy

thanks that's a good ideal, because we are so busy with everyday life/ service to jehovah we forget especially the ones withh families to care for/small babies as well. thanks wendy

You are welcome. I have 3 children and my husband, so we really need to make sure everything is in order. Jehovah's day is fast approaching.

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Wendy

I found on where you can buy these here is the link:
No Blood Jewelry, I rather have a lot of choices for everyone to find the cards. If jewelry will be an extra help, I will do this. I know of several witnesses who had there card in there purse. But they did not look in there wallets at the accident scene. I have two elderly parents so, I am going to make sure of getting bracelets. It will also be a conversation starter.

Hello Friends
I want to share quick pre-surgery info with all individuals that will not accept or use blood or one of the main components in whole blood.
In Oct 2008 I had an elective surgery done on my right arm. I had turned in and talked to my primary surgeon about no blood or any of the four main parts of whole blood. He agreed completely.
However, just before being carted into the operating room a nurse said I must sign a form stating "NO BLOOD." She said just sign here. I told her I needed to read it first. In the very first line in the first paragraph there was a part of the sentence that said: "in the event of some problem and at the decision of the primary surgeon blood maybe used."
I had my wife read this also. I took a red pen from the nurse and with 2 red lines crossed out this part of the sentence, and then my wife and I wrote in our initials to show we both did not agree with this part of the legal form.
The nurse said I couldn't do this as this was a form that belonged to the hospital. I told her no, it's a legal contract just as you would sign if buying a car or a home, you as the buyer have the legal right to take out or put in anything you want.
She went and got the head nurse and had her come to the bed where she showed her what I had done on the hospitals form. The head nurse said that he is correct he can put in or take out anything he wants as it is a legal document.
So my point to anyone going to have surgery be sure and "READ" anything before you sign it from the hospital as you are signing a legal contract, and when you do it will over-ride you doctors directives and other JW's forms you gave to them. This way they have a way to fall back on and state you signed the form before surgery to allow the doctor to decide what was best for you while you were unconscious, at his decision.

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AGAPE,
jdb, txredneck

thaks for all the updates that you all are sending, i enjoy this page today was my first day really on it, agap'e to each one. may jehovah con't to feed us at the proper time.