Suspended Animation Inc | Procedures

The implementation of standby, stabilization, and transport procedures is challenging, but the objective is simple: To minimize cellular injury and maximize the chances for future revival.

	Please note that the scenario described here is for an optimal case in which we receive sufficient warning that a client may be facing a health crisis. Actual procedures in each case may vary depending on the patient’s condition and other circumstances beyond our control.

	SA endeavors to maintain the following equipment in a state of readiness: Transport vehicle. At least three “H” size and at least six “E” size cylinders of oxygen. At least two portable ice baths, each with a vinyl liner and privacy cover. Four complete standby-equipment kits (one of which is used for training purposes). Each kit contains: n Michigan Instruments “Thumper” (to administer chest compressions) modified to fit the ice bath. n Folding holders to stow "E" cylinders under the ice bath. n Icewater recirculation pump, battery-powered, for use in a portable ice bath. n Complete set of anti-ischemic medications. n Pulse oximeter with finger sensor and ear-lobe sensor. n Data logging sheets. n Digital camera and voice recorders. n Emergency medical equipment for intubation and airway management. n Four thermocouple probes and two data logging devices. n Clothing, masks, eye protection, and other safety equipment to protect personnel. n Air-Transportable Perfusion kit, for blood washout and replacement with organ preservation solution. n Surgical instruments and other equipment to perform a femoral cutdown followed by cannulation. n 30 liters of MHP2 organ preservation solution. n Insulation for subsequent transport. n Tools and supplies, including spare parts where they may be needed. During a standby SA endeavors to fill the following roles: Team Leader, an individual who has participated in at least three prior standbys. At least one paramedic, emergency medical technician, or similarly qualified individual able to intubate, establish an intravenous line, mix and administer medications. Surgeon, with the capability to raise and cannulate femoral (or other suitable) vessels. Perfusionist, to operate the Air Transportable Perfusion kit. Additional team members trained in standby fundamentals, when such personnel are available.

Suspended Animation typically is contacted by a cryonics organization if one of its members is facing a health crisis and the cryonics organization wants us to be involved. We will work collaboratively if this is appropriate, in an effort to determine the prognosis. We may seek advice from our own medical consultants.

Ideally we should have all our equipment as close as possible to the patient before legal death is pronounced. A hospice situation is most appropriate for our purposes, but standby work has been performed successfully many times in hospitals. Our team leader will work to establish a good understanding with hospital or hospice administrators, and will also confer with family members who should be fully informed about cryonics procedures and their purpose.

In a location that is too remote from our facility for easy access using our vehicle, the standby team will need to rent one or more vehicles and must find resources such as oxygen and ice. Almost always, Suspended Animation will seek a cooperating mortuary in which we can perform surgery and replace the blood with organ preservation solution.

Here is a partial list of issues for a pending case:

Assess the likely window of opportunity before pronouncement,
and the vital signs.

Patient’s mental state: Conscious or comatose?
If conscious: Coherent, able to make decisions?
If conscious: In denial, resigned to mortality, anxious, sedated?
If comatose: Who has decision-making authority?

Complicating or relevant healthcare issues:
Blood thinners?
Central IV in place?
Atherosclerosis or other circulatory problems?

Assess the patient’s environment:

Hospital, hospice, home hospice, other?
Permission to deploy equipment?
Obstructions to equipment (steps, stairs, ramps, confined spaces)?
Nearby parking available?
Permission to push meds on-site?
Permission to use ice bath and Thumper?
Permission to perform surgery (femoral cutdown)?

Assess the probable completion of transport:

Local state and county regulations re patient transfer after legal death
(transit permit)?
Nearest office that processes death certificate or transit permit
(if this is the procedure)?
Any blackout periods (weekends, evenings, nights, holidays)
that can impede paperwork?
Any other factors that can impede patient transfer?

Verify the attributes of a mortuary, if one will be used:

Availability of facilities on 24-hour basis?
Cooperativeness of mortician?
Size of prep room; able to accommodate ice bath?
Steps, stairs, ramps, other barriers to moving the patient?
Amenities (lighting, power, water, ice)?
Willing to allow deployment/setup of equipment ahead of time?
Existing relationship with which airlines for patient shipment?
Does mortuary have a Ziegler container in stock? Shipping tray?