The problem of euthanasia and dysthanasia in burns

Abstract

The authors discuss basic approaches to the problem of defining euthanasia. The definition should maintain the distinction between active and passive and between voluntary and involuntary euthanasia. Some of the recent views of the ethical and moral aspects are mentioned, as well as the reasons for terminating resuscitation in persons who suffer ‘brain death’ (permanent central nervous system) dysfunction. This problem is a matter of great urgency particularly in the burn centres, dealing with old patients. The authors base the discussion on their clinical experience showing that it is sometimes better that a person should die than continue living in certain desperate states, such as unbearable suffering, severe debilitation, permanent coma etc. However, the problem of euthanasia is in conclusion considered as an open system of question, where the answers are not unanimous. They are complicated with respect to the ethical, forensic aspects and also to the peculiarities of psychology.