Dead on arrival Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Literal Meaning Used literally to describe a person who is no longer alive when they reach the hospital. The victim of the car accident was dead on arrival. Pro Tip 2/3No Emergency Reaction This phrase indicates no emergency action can be taken by medical staff. Upon seeing the patient, the paramedics knew he was dead on arrival. Pro Tip 3/3Sensitive Context Used in serious or somber situations; be mindful of its impact. After the disaster, several were reported dead on arrival.