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Created with Fabric.js 1.4.5 The Basic Steps of Organ Donation TransportA specialized team of EMTs and paramedics begin lifesaving efforts at the scene. They also contact emergency-room doctors during transport. DONATION BEGINS WITH A DECISION. Brain Death DeclaredBrain death is diagnosed as an irreversible loss of blood flow to the brain, causing the brain to die. After brain death, the donor's body is kept functioning by artificial means, such as ventilator support. EvaluationFor registered donors, a specially trained nurse from the Pacific Northwest Transplant Bank (PNTB)goes to the hospital to see if the patient is medically suitable to be a donor. Consent The doctor talks to the family about the patient's death. Then, the PNTB coordinator talks to the family about donation. The family is given time to think and ask questions before they decide.The decision is easier if the patient is listed on the state's Donor Registry, and if the family had discussed donation. FuneralAfter donation, the donor is taken to a funeral home. Because organ donation is rarely disfiguring, the family can have an open casket. Organ RecoveryThe donor is taken to an operating room, where organs are surgically removed by a transplant surgeon. After the organs are 'recovered,' they are taken to the transplant hospitals where candidates are waiting. TreatmentWhen the team arrives, ER doctors and nurses have advanced life-support equipment ready. They evaluate injuries and continue lifesaving measures, including a ventilator, IV fluid, blood replacement and drugs to help the heart keep beating. PlacementThe donor's blood type, height, weight, the hospital ZIP code and other data are entered intothe UNOS national computer system. Appropriate candidates are found for whom the donor's organs are the best match. You decide you want to help people with end-stage disease by donating your organs when you die. When your time comes, perhaps decades later, your organs may be used to save many lives. People most frequently become donors following a stroke, heart attack or severe head injury. Intensive CareAfter vital signs stabilize, the patient is transferred to the ICU, where a doctor performs special tests to see how much damage has been done to the brain and organs. The medical team continues advanced life-support during the tests.
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