To
be considered as a potential vital organ donor, a person must have suffered
a severe brain injury that results in brain death. Brain Death can occur as
a result of a severe stroke (CVA), ruptured aneurysm, head trauma from a motor
vehicle accident, gun shot wound to the head, and anoxic injuries are just
to name a few. First,
every effort is made to save the life of a brain-injured patient. Lifesaving
efforts begin at the scene of the injury. Once the patient is transported
to the hospital, the injuries are evaluated, and lifesaving measures are continued.
After the patient is admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), more tests
are performed to determine the extent of the damage to the brain and body.
Only after all efforts to save the life of the patient are exhausted and brain
death is determined, is the option of organ donation a consideration.
When
the patient is declared brain dead, the hospital calls the organ procurement
organization. A family services coordinator will come to the hospital to discuss
donation with the family. The family then decides if they want to donate their
loved one's organs. The decision might be easier if the they have already
discussed the matter.
In this section you can learn about the donation process and read about the
experience of one mother who donated her daughter's organs.
