What exactly is death?

[azverte]

There are times when we must discuss with family members the concept of organ donation. Like all end-of-life issues, this is a process for most family members. Life support issues can be confusing for them and the family must feel confident that their family member is actually dead before organs are taken. There is no "just a little bit dead." There is life and there is death. So, how do you define death to them and how do you prove it to them? What are your stories and experiences with this issue?

Thank you.

[J. B.]

depts.washington.edu/pccm/brain%20death%20talk.ppt

If you highlight this above link and copy it and then past it to your address and hit go you will be taken to a slide show (takes a sec or two) with a tremendious amount of information. Probably more than you need but it is throurgh. Its unfortunate that I cant present it to anyone interested but as one posted earlier just contact your local Organ procurement agency and they should provide any and all answers to your questions. But dont let that stop you from asking more questions. This is a great topic and it is vast ..Economic, social, religious, curtural, ethnic, it really touches all areas of society.

[J. B.]

http://www.ascensionhealth.org/ethics/public/issues/harvard.asp

Yoou may wnat to read a little here too.

[Katnip, RN]

The problem with explaining death to families is that each family member sees it from a different perspective. Their own experience, religious, and cultural background will influence what the perceive to be death.

Usually, even though they heard and understood that they are brain dead, as long as they see that chest rising and falling, that loved one is still with them. They know the facts, they just want to hang on until the end and be involved until the last moment.

Again, the best way to approach these families is to give them the facts as gently as you can, explain their options, and let them decide. Will they fully comprehend? Maybe not, but usually they'll come up with the right decision.