ORGAN DONATION How it happens

Here is an example of how organ donation can occur:
TRAUMA SCENE
Many organ donors are victims of fatal head injuries caused by a car accident, gunshot wound or stroke.
TRANSPORT FROM ACCIDENT
Paramedics and emergency medical technicians begin lifesaving efforts at the scene. The patient is then transported to the hospital.
EMERGENCY ROOM
Doctors and nurses have advanced medical equipment ready when the ambulance or helicopter arrives. They evaluate the patient's injuries and continue lifesaving measures. When the person's vital signs stabilize, the patient is transferred to the intensive care unit.
INTENSIVE CARE UNIT
A doctor performs a series of tests to determine how much damage has been done to the patient's brain and body. During these tests, the hospital staff continues advanced medical treatment.
BRAIN DEATH DETERMINATION
Brain death occurs when damage to the brain is so bad it stops working permanently. Brain death is confirmed by tests that show the complete loss of all brain function, including the brain stem. Unlike a coma, from which a person can recover, brain death cannot be reversed.
DONOR REFERRAL/EVALUATION
Whenever the potential for brain death exists, the hospital calls LifeBanc and provides medical information about the patient. If brain death occurs, LifeBanc continues to evaluate the patient's medical suitability as an organ donor.
FAMILY CONSULTATION
After the doctor has told the family of their loved one's death, LifeBanc's procurement transplant coordinator works with the hospital to discuss the donation process with the family or legal next of kin.
ORGAN AND TISSUE PLACEMENT
After consent for donation is confirmed, the donor's blood type, tissue type, body size and location are entered into the national computer system. Similar information about patients awaiting transplants is also in this system. These criteria, as well as the medical status of the potential recipients, are used to determine the best matches for the organs. Recipients for corneas (eyes), bone and other tissue may be found later.
ORGAN AND TISSUE RECOVERY
LifeBanc works with the hospital staff to coordinate the surgical transplant teams and schedule the operating room. The organs are placed in sterile containers that are then packed on ice in coolers for transportation. Bone, eye and other tissue recoveries are performed by trained medical technicians and occur after the organs are removed.
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS
The donation of organs and tissue is a respectful procedure and is done in a surgical manner. Great care is taken to maintain the structure and appearance of the person. In most cases, traditional funeral practices, including open-casket viewing, may follow if the family desires.
FOLLOW-UP
LifeBanc sends thank-you letters to the physicians, nurses and other hospital staff at the donor hospital. About two weeks after donation, the donor family receives a letter confirming the transplants were performed and providing some limited information about each recipient.
Source: LifeBanc