The Donation Process Trauma Scene Many organ donors are victims of fatal head injuries caused by a car accident, gunshot wound or stroke. Transport from Accident Paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) begin life-saving efforts at the scene. The patient is then transported to the hospital. Emergency Room Doctors and nurses have advanced medical equipment ready when the ambulance or helicopter arrives. They evaluate the patient's injuries and continue life-saving measures. When the person's vital signs stabilize, he/she is transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU). Intensive Care Unit (ICU) A doctor performs a series of tests to determine how much damage has been done to the patient's brain and body. During these tests, the hospital staff continues advanced medical treatment. Brain Death Determination Brain death occurs when damage to the brain is so bad it stops working permanently. Brain death is confirmed by tests that show the complete loss of all brain function, including the brain stem. Unlike a coma, from which a person can recover, brain death cannot be reversed.  Brain death is death. Donor Referral/Evaluation Whenever the potential for brain death exists, the hospital calls LifeBanc and provides medical information about the patient. If brain death occurs, LifeBanc continues to evaluate the patient's medical suitability as an organ and tissue donor. Family Consultation After the doctor has told the family of their loved one's death, LifeBanc's staff works with the hospital to discuss the donation process with the family or legal next of kin. LifeBanc's staff also will access The Ohio Donor Registry to determine if the individual is a registered organ donor. Organ and Tissue Placement After consent for donation has been confirmed, the donor's blood type, tissue type, body size and location are entered into the national computer system. Similar information about patients awaiting transplants is also in this system. These criteria, as well as the medical status of the potential recipients, are used to determine the best matches for the organs. Recipients for corneas (eyes), bone and other tissue may be found later. Learn more about why transplants are needed. Organ and Tissue Recovery LifeBanc works with the hospital staff to coordinate the surgical transplant teams and schedule the operating room. The organs are placed in sterile containers that are then packed on ice in coolers for transportation. Bone, eye and other tissue recoveries are performed by trained medical technicians and occur after the organs are removed. Organ and tissue donation has its own terminology. View the proper donation vocabulary terms. Funeral Arrangements The donation of organs and tissue is a respectful procedure and is done in a surgical manner. Great care is taken to maintain the structure and appearance of the person. In most cases, traditional funeral practices, including open-casket viewing, may follow if the family desires. Follow-Up LifeBanc sends thank you letters to the physicians, nurses and other hospital staff at the donor hospital. About two weeks after donation, the donor family receives a letter confirming the transplants were performed and providing some limited information about each recipient.