What is a COVID-19 SOS Directive?

A COVID-19 SOS Directive is a document expressing an individual’s voluntary wish to defer life prolonging critical care hospital placement, medication, and/or equipment to another patient in need during a declared emergency in which resources are scarce. Before completing a COVID-19 SOS Directive, you should learn about and fully understand the unique situation in which a COVID-19 SOS Directive would apply. Participation should be absolutely voluntary and you should not complete a COVID-19 SOS Directive unless you want others to be helped ahead of you if healthcare resources are scarce. 

To complete a COVID-19 SOS Directive, you should express those decisions in advance of the actual need, and then make family, friends, or healthcare providers aware of those wishes. These desires will then be included on the COVID-19 SOS Directive form, which is a document that may be considered during the triage process should there be a declared emergency resulting in many patients needing medical treatments which are in short supply. 

There is a current declared state of emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Many people will become ill with COVID-19 and a large number will require hospital care which could overwhelm the system and lead to shortages of resources. Because an urgent need for medical services could develop for anyone, regardless of age or general health status, any adult able to give informed consent can consider completing an SOS Directive. A SOS Directive helps family and healthcare personnel understand an individual’s wishes in a potentially very challenging triage situation.