how long should someone be allowed to live on life support machines?

Question

if someone is brain dead, how long do you think they should be on life support? is lenth of life better than qualilty?

Answer 1

If a beautiful bird that loves to fly can be put in a cage ... why not trap the human spirit in a non functional body?

I think if those who support those machines were actually put on one themselves, they'd want the plug pulled immediately.

Answer 2

I think that someone's wishes should be carried
out reguarding their death.
If there is no will, then the person should be kept
alive long enough for anyone who wanted to
pay their last respects were able to do so.

Sure someone may want to be kept alive
as long as possible, but if it's at the expense of
indigent care, then there has to be a time limit.
And 3 months is long enough, I think, for a person
to have their last wishes fulfilled.
I don't think there is much chance for recovery of
any sort after a person has been on life support that long, no?

Answer 3

If the person has no documentation stating his wishes in cases of death, illness etc... the relatives can do what they wish.
I do not believe in keeping anyone on life support especially if the doctor says they are brain dead and there is nothing more we can do for them. I think you should let them go, I think quality of life out weighs length of life. But if you do not write these things down the relatives can prolong you on all kinds of machines.. Some people just are not wanting to let go of their loved ones. It is a very tough decision to make. I had a relative who told everyone in her family time and time again if anything were to happen to her she did not want to be kept alive on any type of machines she just wanted to go, however she did not write this down, so the day came and one of her daughters would not let this happen, she threaten to sue the hospital and acted up big-time. Knowing that this is what she did not want...So you have to write it down...You have to make it clear because there is always going to be a family member or several who are in deep denial and can't deal with letting go. It's hard, but you have to put these things in writing.

Answer 4

An inhalation therapist is a specialized professional who can determine the capacity of lung output and calculate how long it takes before one dies after life-support machines have been removed. Also, persons who work in hospices know from experience how much time a patient has once breathing apparatus have been removed. I was called from a dementia center where my elder brother lived for three years and told he was dying. After I arrived, I watch my brother struggled for every breath for three hours before he died. His mouth remained open in an attempt to inhale as much air as possible before stopped breathing. My brother smoked for 65 years, and I assume his lung capacity was less than a healthy person who does not smoke, but who knows. Harrald

Answer 5

I know I wouldn't want to live that way for a long period of time. If I'm brain dead and there is no chance of me ever waking up I'd say just keep me alive a couple of days to let it sink in to my loved ones that I'm never going to wake up then pull the plug.

Answer 6

It depends on SO many tnings; the family members mainly, their wishes, their needs, their relationship, the age of the person- the money, the insurance, the cause of injury, the victims wishes, the health care avaible, was it a crime, are the police invovled? The organs that might able to be retreived if others can use them and benifit? See? Making snap judgments arent good, they are, well, snap... and can be too fast. Slow your self rightous asz down.

Answer 7

Well financially, as long as the family can support. But if you are practical, probably you can unplug it right away so the body of the person can rest, anyway he is brain dead.

Answer 8

Circumstances have to be considered along with what one feels that the patient would want done.

I had to make that decision about my son, Over a 3 1/2 hour period.

I wonder what made you ask?

Answer 9

This is such a difficult question that many people now stipulate in their wills what they wish.

As for me, since in such an event I'll have power lines running into me, anyway, I've asked that I be outfitted as a reading lamp, and I hope one free hand can be angled to hold a tray for my husband's cheese crackers and ginger ale.

Answer 10

i would have them off if the brain is dead and no other problems then three days to have them off for they are just using money if the person is already dead.