Acute Resuscitation Plan (for adults)

An Acute Resuscitation Plan (ARP) is a medical order initiated and completed by a medical officer through the completion of the ARP form SW065 Acute Resuscitation Plan. The form is authorised by the most senior medical practitioner available and provides information about:

  • the patient’s health condition
  • medically appropriate resuscitation management plans in the event of an emergency
  • treatment that is available and is recommended
  • substitute decision-maker(s) if the patient loses capacity to make their own health decisions
  • preferences about life-sustaining measures, including whether it is medically appropriate to provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

ARPs can be used in any health setting in Queensland, including but not limited to public sector and private health services and facilities; residential aged care facilities; general practice and primary care; and a patient’s home. Medical practitioners and other health professionals working outside of Queensland’s public sector should be aware of legislative, legal and indemnity information before completing an ARP.

ARP form and Quick Guide

The Quick Guide contains important information and should be read before completing the ARP form.

Cover sheet

A patient may be transferred between health services and facilities (or home) with a copy of their active ARP form and an ARP Cover Sheet.

Clinical Guidelines

The ARP Clinical Guidelines provides guidance for Queensland Health practitioners in relation to the Acute Resuscitation Plan.

Ordering ARP forms

ARP form SW065 can be ordered at WINC using the code 1NY31841 in packs of 100.

ARP resources

An ARP v0.6 Power Point presentation is available for adaptation/use by Queensland Health Hospital and Health Services to support education about the ARP

Related resources

The Queensland Health ARP form has been developed as a clinical support tool for use in ‘public sector health services’ and ‘public sector health facilities’ as defined by Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 (Qld). The ARP form includes references to legal considerations, policies, indemnities, procedures and conditions of use which may apply only to usage in ‘public sector health services’ and ‘public sector health facilities’. For usage in other services and facilities, these considerations may not apply and/or other considerations may apply, for which independent legal advice or other professional advice is recommended. While usage of the ARP form by other services and facilities is authorised by Queensland Health, it is the responsibility of medical practitioners and other health professionals completing the ARP form or using a completed ARP form, without limitation, to independently and adequately satisfy themselves of all relevant matters to the standards applicable at law. To the fullest extent permissible by law, Queensland Health excludes all warranties, representations and liability in relation to the use of this ARP form.

Last updated: 16 March 2023