#153 CPR: when does it save a life and when does it spoil a death with Dani & Clare.

Exploring words and busting myths associated with palliative and end of life care. Over the course of 10 podcasts I am delighted to talk with Dani Ayre, we will focus on a word a week and challenge commonly held beliefs. Why? Because words matter - you will hear the impact of myths around words and we’ll share valuable resources.

In episode eight we talk about what CPR is, and when it might be considered an inappropriate treatment.

Listen in and share the conversations.

Key messages

• Dani & I begin by explaining what DNACPR means

• We discuss moving from “Do Not Attempt” towards the ReSPECT process, and why that wording matters

• We emphasise that CPR is a treatment which is not appropriate to be offered to everyone

• Media-driven myths about CPR success rates and how it is portrayed on television are shared

• DNACPR decisions are clinical recommendations, not legal orders or blanket bans

• We describe when CPR might be helpful (sudden arrest in an otherwise well person) versus when it is ineffective (as part of Ordinary Dying)

• We highlight the ethical duty to avoid harm and not to offer futile treatments

• The legacy of the Janet Tracey case and  the legal requirement to involve patients and families in discussions is discussed

• Complex  DNA CPR discussion, not a yes/no question (“Do you want to be resuscitated?”) is critical

• We share how the ReSPECT form should be a template for wider conversations about emergency care and what matters to the person

• Noting that ReSPECT does not equal “no CPR” – many people with a ReSPECT form are for CPR

Resource

• Read ReSPECT for healthcare professionals

• Read Death of an Ordinary Man by Sarah Perry 

• Read Hospice UK Planning Ahead Tool 

• Listen ReSPECT and Advance Care Planning with Dr Zoe Fritz 

• Watch Heart-stopping Moments | Dr. Kathryn Mannix | TEDxDunLaoghaire 

• Watch RESPECT form - how to write an Advance Plan by Compassionate Communities

Bio

Dani Ayre

Dani is Matron and Lead Nurse for Palliative Care currently working at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. She has over 15 years’ experience in Palliative and End-of-Life Care (PEoLC). She previously worked in Gibraltar for over 8 years, implementing and leading a Hospice Outreach Service for the community of Gibraltar. She has also worked in the community in Palliative care and Long Term conditions and briefly in the acute sector. 

Dani has furthered her knowledge throughout her career by achieving a Distinction in her PG Certificate at Masters level in Palliative Medicine and completed 2 further Masters modules in leadership and education in Palliative care. She is passionate about raising awareness and educating on Palliative care and the importance of Advance care Planning  not only to Health care professionals and the general public.

Clare Fuller

Clare is a Registered General Nurse and has focused her career in Palliative and End of Life Care (EoLC) working clinically in hospices, providing clinical support and education in the acute setting and nationally to deliver the Gold Standards Framework Acute and Primary Care programme. Clare holds an MSc in Specialist and Advanced Health Care and in 2025 was proud to be part of the Parliamentary Palliative and End of Life Care Commission.

Clare has worked strategically in a CCG focusing on delivering the Workforce element of the General Practice Forward View and as a CQC End of Life Care Specialist Advisor.

In 2019 Clare founded Speak For Me which provides Advance Care Planning Education, Lasting Power of Attorney Consultation and support for people facing a life changing illness. Clare advocates for proactive Advance Care Planning and is host of the podcast Conversations About Advance Care Planning.