End of life decisions are tough, especially for those who are terminally ill. People want their wishes to be respected, but there are family members and friends to consider.
Comfort One is a program for people diagnosed with a terminal illness who do not wish to have life-saving measures, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performed on them when their breathing and heartbeat stop. It enables health care providers to easily identify these patients who have expressed these wishes.
A qualified patient is enrolled in the Comfort One Program by his or her physician who fills out a Program enrollment form. The patient is given a copy of the form and a wallet card at the time of enrollment in the Program. Some patients choose to purchase an optional Comfort One bracelet, which provides additional evidence of Program enrollment.
Under the statewide protocol, health care providers and EMS personnel can provide palliative care (moderating pain and discomfort, making it easier to bear) and emotional support, but CPR will not be started, and will be stopped if already in progress on patients who are confirmed to be enrolled in the Comfort One Program.
Comfort One is different from a Living Will and Advanced Directives.
Comfort One is different from individualized do-not-resuscitate orders.
How to Get Comfort One Information
For Patients and Health Care Providers
Contact your physician to enroll in the Alaska Comfort One Program
Comfort One Brochure for Patients and Families
Comfort One Brochure for Health Care Providers
State of Alaska Comfort One Program
Comfort One Registration Packets may be ordered by Health Care facilities ONLY.
To order Registration Packets, please call (907) 562-6449.