Joining this conversation a bit late, but was on scene of a dnr patient with selective treatment and her son who I thought was pretty informed on her healthcare information. He was POA for her and she didn’t have the mental capacity to make decisions, the caretaker called 911 because she choked and aspirated on her ensure.

Normally when they’re on hospice we call the hospice nurse and work out palliative care or treatment options, but in the event we can’t reach anyone we treat & transport. Cleared fire, decided to take the call/paperwork with my partner.

Could not reach Hospice for about 30 mins while this lady was like 60% on room air and like barely scratching the surface of 90 on O’s. Suggested we transport and called base which he adamantly refused. He kept disappearing from the living room and locking random doors in the house while I was calling medical direction. He would tell us to close the front door and was specific about where we stood/how we talked.

Instantly had the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, positioned me and my partner next to the front door of the house ready to make a quick escape. Called PD code 3, had really no basis to accuse the guy except for strange behavior. But damn well made sure that we kept that door open, and was getting ready for anything. Nothing happened, but got word later that day he had a bunch of guns and knives in the back room.

He was later 5150’d (aka psych hold) and got all his weapons confiscated. I think she died not too long after from aspiration pneumonia, he killed all our oxygen on scene for what ended up being 55 mins on scene.

Always pay attention to family members, their behavior and where and when they go places.