Levels of medical intervention

Established in advance with the person, or with their representative if the person is incapable, and reviewed whenever the condition changes. They set the intensity of care: comfort care on site, transfer to hospital, investigations, intubation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation. A comfort-focused level does not mean withholding care. It means care aimed at comfort rather than at prolonging life: pain relief, mouth care, positioning, presence, and treatment of any distressing symptom. A family member cannot request medical assistance in dying on someone's behalf. Only the person can, while capable, freely, in an informed way and in writing.

Clinical content reviewed by Ducamelle Louis, Registered Nurse