In medical terms, DOA stands for Dead on Arrival. This term is used when a patient arrives at a hospital or medical facility already deceased. It indicates that the individual was pronounced dead upon arrival and did not receive any medical intervention or resuscitation attempts.
DOA is often used in emergency medical services (EMS) and hospital settings to quickly communicate the status of a patient. It helps medical staff prioritize their efforts and resources towards patients who have a chance of survival.
It’s important to note that the term DOA is a clinical designation and does not imply any judgment or cause of death. The actual cause of death is determined through further investigation, such as an autopsy or medical examination.