PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - P Berry TI - Action <em>v</em> inaction: a case history in ethics AID - 10.1136/jme.29.4.225 DP - 2003 Aug 01 TA - Journal of Medical Ethics PG - 225--226 VI - 29 IP - 4 4099 - http://jme.bmj.com/content/29/4/225.short 4100 - http://jme.bmj.com/content/29/4/225.full SO - J Med Ethics2003 Aug 01; 29 AB - The motives behind the author’s decision to resuscitate a patient are examined. This is prompted by the realisation that he ignored the man’s apparent wish not to be saved for fear of criticism from both relatives and colleagues. The way in which decisions are made when the interests of the doctor and the patient clash are briefly explored. Self interest may play a more significant role than is commonly accepted.