My brother in law suffered a massive heart attack at the wheel of his car a few weeks ago. Due to the time it took the ambulance to come (although in traffic terms rather quick), his brain was starved of oxygen for far too long and by the time his immediate family got to him he was only being kept alive by a life support machine. They were at least given time to say their fond and extremely tearful goodbyes to their beloved husband/dad.
The doctors seemed very keen to get consent forms signed so they could use his organs etc. This was surprising to me for two reasons. Firstly because it seemed incredibly insensitive given the freshness of this shocking and totally unexpected news, although they did explain they need to get a move on with these things.
Secondly, because he'd probably miss them, what with him being given the go ahead to return to work in a couple of weeks.
