Organ donation cards (1 Viewer)

[nicholsong]

I have signed an UK organ donation card.

I wonder how much legal effect they have in other countries?

Does one need to sign an 'International' one?

I also wonder who is responsible for taking the decision to act upon them? Is it the doctor signing the death certificate?

But who searches the belongings/wallet/car/motorhome for the card?

Do first responders have any role/responsibility in this? Maybe 'ambulancekidd or Mrs. can answer that bit, please

Geoff

 

[busbuddy]

I thought that nowadays you were automatically a donor unless you have opted out

 

[Grummyb]

If you look into the criteria for hospitals to accept organs for transplant it's not as simple as you would expect and pretty much unless you die on a preplanned day as organised by the transplant team they can't use any of your bits.
And as for trying to donate blood I think mine must be as common as muck because I have to book up about 4 months in advance and the last appointment I had got cancelled

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[Otter Spotter]

If you look into the criteria for hospitals to accept organs for transplant it's not as simple as you would expect and pretty much unless you die on a preplanned day as organised by the transplant team they can't use any of your bits.
And as for trying to donate blood I think mine must be as common as muck because I have to book up about 4 months in advance and the last appointment I had got cancelled

It’s more for trauma ( accident victims) who arrive in A&E then pronounced dead and in-patients. Not really for people in pass away in their own home. The Hospital staff on realising your on your way out will start the ball rolling to get theatre ready for harvesting, whilst that is being prepared they can put the body on drips and pumps to keep thinks flowing etc.

 

[bobnick]

Don't think there is much in me or hanging off me that would be of any use to anyone.

 

[The Wino]

I think the criteria for donation tissue being required depends on the organ being harvested. I suspect every country would have their own rules on donation I've never heard of an international register. As someone else has said in the UK now the presumption is that unless you have opted out you are in favour of donation I think the sensible thing is to make that clear to your nearest and dearest to make it a quick decision if necessary. It's a difficult area but I can't understand people wanting to have their relatives body burnt or rot rather than being used to help somebody else in really bad health.

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[carolyn]

Even if you have said you want to donate and it is recorded in the UK organ donor register , if your family objects then organ donation will not go ahead. This is why it is so important to have these discussions early when you are all in relatively good health.

Consent is assumed if you are not on the register but if you have a family their opinions will be asked and if they say no it will not go ahead.

 

[Minxy]

Don't think there is much in me or hanging off me that would be of any use to anyone.

You'd be surprised, they can use a load of donated bits nowadays not just the main organs ... it's getting a bit like in the past where people would 'eat' all of the pig except the squeal!

 

[scotzsue]

Corneas don’t need to come from a ‘live’ donor.

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[Nanniemate]

I had to have my father sign my first card as I was under 16, his face on asking was a picture, I had asked my mother and she said I think your father should do it.
To me it was no big deal, if I can't use them someone else can, my daughter asked even younger if she could do it she came home one day from school and announced that she would want her 'bits used to help someone'

Luckily the conversation has never had to be put into process but her wishes would have been followed no matter how old.

In my late teenage years I watched an elderly man transform into a vibrant healthy 30something after a kidney transplant.
The change in him was amazing. He turned from grey to pink overnight, when he was out walking the smile that radiated from him every time you asked how he was is something that sadly the donor's family would never witness

He also made sure that he took care of his gift until you see it it is very hard to understand the difference a donor makes to a life.