Imagine one of your loved ones is at the final stages of a terminal illness and is dying. The doctor cannot stop the dying process, however he can only prolong the life in the final stages of a terminal illness using modern medical technology.
What will you do?
Some terminally ill persons who are in this situation may not want to prolong their life. They may want to be spared from further suffering and be allowed to die naturally. However in their medical situation, they are unable to express their wishes at that point of time.
So what can the person do?
The person can do up an Advance Medical Directive (AMD) which can indicate his choice of not wanting to prolong their lives “artificially” should they become unconscious while terminally ill.
What is a Advance Medical Directive (AMD)?
An Advance Medical Directive (AMD) is a legal document that a peron can sign in advance to inform and indicate to the doctor in the event of becoming terminally ill and being unconscious, that you do not want any extraordinary life-sustaining treatment to be used to prolong your life.
Who can do the AMD?
Anyone who is 21 years old and above and mentally sound mind can do up an AMD.
How to do an AMD?
Step 1: Get the AMD Form
The AMD forms are available from medical clinics and hospitals. You can approach your doctor for the form. Alternatively, you can also download it online. (https://www.moh.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider5/forms/form1amd(270905).pdf)
Step 2 : Consult A Doctor and Witness it
The AMD must be made through a medical doctor. The AMD will have to be witnessed by two person. They must sign the form as witnesses in your presence. One of the witness must be a doctor, while the second witness must be 21 years or above.
Step 3: Return The Form To The Registrar Of AMD
The completed form will be sent to the Registrar of Advance Medical Directives. The AMD is only valid after it is being registered with the Registrar of Advance Medical Directives.
Advanced planning can help you and your family to deal with unforeseeable scenarios with ease. Other than AMD, I have previously wrote about LPA, which would be of equal importance. Read about it here.