Abbreviations

Since it's Halloween on Saturday I though we'd focus on an abbreviation that is both "spooky" and a good reminder to drive safe and drive sober.  Call for a ride if you've had too much to drink. This is an abbreviation that NO medical professional wants to use.

DOA

DOA is dead on arrival

You can see why this is an abbreviation that no medical professional wants to use.  It means that there was no chance to save the patient.

Because of the nature of the abbreviation, there are three primary groups of users - police officers, first medical responders (paramedics, EMTs, firefighters), and ER staff. Rarely is the abbreviation used in other areas.

Examples:


When EMS arrived at the scene of the accident pt was unresponsive without a pulse. Pt was cool to the touch and after consultation with physician no other emergency measures were taken. Pt declared DOA.

This is a bit of an extreme example.

Pt arrived with CPR in progress. Rhythm assessed. Pt was determined to be without a heartbeat.  Pt declared DOA.

This is a more likely example because it is uncommon for first responders to arrive in a situation where the patient is clearly deceased upon their arrival.

Before I end today's post and get back to helping attorneys with their complex medical record needs- I want to note one thing. DOA is a declaration.  It's a status- not just an abbreviation used in the middle of the sentence.  If you note in my above examples, its the end of a sentence.