Communication is an important part of every relationship. It is vital to talk with your doctor and family about how you want your life sustained in the event of irreversible illness, end-stage of a disease process, or persistent vegetative state. You have a right to participate in every decision made during your illness. In case a terminal illness, end-stage condition, or persistent state of unconsciousness or unresponsiveness leaves you in a condition in which you cannot make decisions for yourself, the previous communication you have had with your doctor and family will help them make decisions concerning your care.

A living will is another way to make your desires known. A legal document, it specifies how much treatment you want to receive in case of terminal or irreversible illness, end-stage condition, or persistent vegetative state. In additional instructions, you may want to specify certain treatments you do not want, such as electrical or mechanical (CPR) resuscitation of your heart, mechanical respiration (ventilator) to sustain breathing, artificial (tube) feedings when unable to take food by mouth, blood transfusions, or surgery.

Health First respects the rights of patients and their loved ones to have the information and resources necessary to make informed decisions about health care -- now and in the future. We offer you this living will to review and complete if you so desire. The choice is entirely yours. If you have any questions, a member of the hospital's Ethics Committee will meet with you to provide additional information -- call 434-7183 (South Brevard), or 868-2718 (Central Brevard).

To use your living will:

1. Sign and date the will before two witnesses.

2. Give your doctor a copy of the will and discuss it with him/her.

3. Give copies of the will to key persons involved in your welfare. The time may come when you can no longer take part in decisions regarding your future.

4. Keep the original easily accessible.

5. Discuss your intentions now with those closest to you.

6. Review your will once a year and re-date it, initialing the new date. This clearly states your wishes are unchanged.

7. When you're admitted to the hospital, have a copy of the will placed in your medical record.

More information

Copy of a Living Will (PDF)

Testamento en vida en español (PDF)

More information about Advance Directives

More information about Ethics Consultations for patients (PDF)