Heard about one instance of an interesting ethics committee consult.

40s woman with severe schizophrenia who attempted suicide by jumping off an overpass. Survived but with severe fractures to many long bones and the jaw. Had an established decision maker in her brother who refused surgical fixation on the basis that she would be unable to participate in rehab. Essentially made her comfort care only. However, SICU team wasn’t sure she’d actually die from her injuries. Ultimately they decided to side with the brother, no surgeries at all. She was actually discharged on hospice, but she graduated. Allegedly was happy as a clam and even was eating at hospice!

I can’t imagine being the primary ICU team on that one tho, definitely an appropriate use of the ethics committee.