1 SOMDG Advance Directives Trifold.

1. Advance Directives:
An advance directive is a set of written
instructions which specifies what actions
should be taken for their health if they are
no longer able to make decisions due to
grave illness or incapacity. A “living
will” gives you an opportunity to write
down instructions for treatment you do or
do not want to receive. A Medical Power
of Attorney allows you to select, in
writing, an individual who will make
treatment decisions for you if you are
unable to do so.
1st Special Operations
Medical Group
Mission: Provide exceptional quality
healthcare through education,
prevention and treatment for our
Airmen and their families
Vision: Special Operations
World-Class Healthcare….
Any Time, Any Place
1st Special Operations
Medical Group
113 Lielmanis Ave
Hurlburt Field
Florida 32544
Hours of Operation:
M- F: 0730—1630 Hours
Closed the 1st Monday
of every month for
mandatory training
1st Special Operations
Medical Group
Advance
Directives and
Living Wills
Legal Office Website:
https://aflegalassistance.law.af.mil
Developed
May 2014

2. What is an Advance Directive?
 All adults can benefit from thinking
about what their healthcare choices
would be if they were unable to speak
for themselves.
 These decisions may be written down
in an “advance directive” so that others
can know your wishes.
These come in two main forms:
1. “Medical Power of Attorney”
documents the person you select to be
your voice for your healthcare
decisions if you cannot speak you
yourself.
2. “Living Will” documents what kinds of
medical treatments you would or
would not want at the end of life.
What is the process for completing?
 Go to the website:
 https://aflegalassistance.law.af.mil
 Select “Legal Worksheets”
 Select “Create Will and Advance
Medical Directive Worksheet”
 You will be given a ticket number
 Once you have a ticket number call &
make an appointment with an attorney
Hurlburt Field Legal Office
 DSN 579-7821
 Comm (850) 884-7821
If you don’t have computer access you can
call the office above and they will be able to
assist you through the entire process
Medical Power of
Attorney:
Do I need one? There is a chance in
your lifetime that you may be seriously
injured, ill, or otherwise unable to make
decisions about your healthcare. It is helpful
to have someone who knows your values
and in whom you trust to make such
decisions for you. This is a document you
sign designating that person to make health
care decisions on your behalf should you
become un- able to make your own
decisions. It is effective immediately after
executed by the legal office and delivered to
the person you chose to designate. It will
remain valid unless you notify, in writing,
your designated person, or your healthcare
provider.
Disclaimer: This pamphlet does not
constitute legal advice.
Living Will:
A document that allows you to ex-
plain, in writing, which medical treatment
you do or do not want during a terminal
illness. A terminal illness is a fatal illness
that leads ultimately to death.
Living wills are needed because
advances in medicine allow doctors to
prolong and sustain life although the person
may not recover from a vegetative state.
Some people would not desire to remain in
that state. The Living Will allows you to
make the decision of whether life-
prolonging medical or surgical procedures
are to be continued, withheld, or withdrawn,
as well as when artificial feeding and fluids
are to be used or withheld.
Your healthcare team is directed by
the Living Will to follow your instructions.
We strongly encourage you to bring a copy
of your completed advance directives to the
Patient Administration Office on the
1st floor of the 1st SOMDG for inclusion in
your medical record for ready access by
your healthcare team!