Always Investigate Before You Extubate

Prior to 2021, organ eligibility was limited to patients with a neurologic injury; however, since 2021 the potential for organ donation has expanded to include ANY intubated patient that would be likely to pass within the designated timeframe for donation after circulatory death (DCD). This allows us to save more lives and give more families the gift of hope that their loved one might leave a legacy through donation.

Respiratory therapists can help us to be certain that patients are always referred to Midwest Transplant Network prior to terminal extubation by confirming with the bedside nurse that a referral has been made and that MTN is aware of the plan to extubate. This allows MTN to assess for DCD eligibility and ensures that all families of eligible donors are either informed of their loved ones wishes to donate (in the case of first-person authorization) or are offered the opportunity to authorize donation on their behalf.