Eighty-One Year Old Woman Tattoos “Do Not Resuscitate” on Chest

Eighty-one year old Joy Tomkins of Downham Market, Norfolk tattooed the words “Do Not Resuscitate” on her chest to inform doctors of her wish to not be resuscitated. Additionally, she tattooed “P.T.O” (Please Turn Over) and an arrow on her back in case paramedics find her face down.

A spokesman for the General Medical Council stated that most doctors would ignore Tomkins’ “Do Not Resuscitate” tattoo. Instead, the spokesman said that individuals need to put their DNR wishes in writing and have them witnessed, or appoint a health attorney.

See Gran Has “Do Not Resuscitate” Tattooed Onto Her Chest to Tell Docs to Let Her Die,” The Mirror, Aug. 9, 2011.