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I'm certainly not an expert in biology, but from a quick search, clinical death means that there is no pulse, no respiratory movement, and no corneal reflex. It would seem that if you are responsibly doing CPR with artificial ventilation required, that two of the three requirements should be met; with the third following shortly after (apart from external resuscitation efforts)....correct?
It doesn't seem all that inappropriate to label clinical death, as a "near death experience" (if there brain is no longer receiving oxygen and functioning). Also, I would hope, that the patient would be dead, prior to, a responsible doctor declaring them dead (Note again however... I'm not claiming to be an expert here). But then again, I see the paperwork (and declaration of death) as being descriptive, not prescriptive. I can understand that from a procedural standpoint; of not treating a patient as dead, until a qualified medical personnel has examined them and determined that they are dead (to the point that resuscitation is no longer viable).
If you are making the distinction that clinical death, does not equal biological death...ok However if you are saying that clinical death does not happen before the declaration of death (or resuscitation efforts) then I would ask you to please clarify. I also have an issue with death being dependent on a doctor saying "Stop!", making any declarations, or the paperwork. I don't think this is necessary (concerning actual death, not from a procedural standpoint). I don't have a degree in medicine or nursing; and I'm open to correction with an explanation from an expert.
No! If you initiate CPR you do not assume anyone is dead. That is why it is called resuscitation. You are trying to save a life! As in "Rescue'! As in "Save"! Not as in "Resurrect"! Not as in "Return from the Underworld". More like "Hellp! He is not breathing! Save him!"
Have not any of you NDE promoting theotards ever taken a basic CPR class? It does not require a degree. Many fire stations offer CPR free to the public.
I have taken CPR classes both in high school and subsequently at work. It was my understanding from these classes, that CPR was started, because the subjects heart wasn't beating, and external ventilation when they where not breathing. Was this incorrect?
This is 2/3 of the criteria for the definition of clinical death. The third is lack of pupillary response. Again it is my understanding that within minutes of the brain not receiving oxygen, that the autonomic nervous systems will cease functioning. This doesn't mean, that they cannot be resussitated, but they are clinically dead, if these three conditions are present.
