How do doctors in accident and emergency determine death?
Death is usually determined by whether the heart is beating. If the heart stops the supply of oxygen to the brain also ceases and after a period of time causes irreversible damage. If the heart cannot be restarted after several attempts the Doctors have to make the decision to stop trying! If the brain is being monitored that is also how Doctors can determine death. No electrical activity in the brain means that the patient cannot survive! Mechanical aids would keep the organs functioning but it would be pointless!
