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Emergency Responders

A Collaborative Effort

Live On Nebraska recognizes the importance of the work performed by emergency responders in medical emergencies. When, despite the best efforts of those involved, the situation ends in the death of a patient prior to arrival at a hospital, emergency responders can play a critical role in the organ and tissue donation process. In the event that a patient dies prior to arrival at a hospital, emergency responders are encouraged to contact Live On Nebraska and provide patient information for evaluation of possible tissue donation.

To make a referral for donation, please call 402-733-4000.

When making a referral, you will be asked for the following information:

  • Deceased’s name
  • Date of birth
  • Time of death/last known alive
  • Next of kin name
  • Next of kin contact number

If the patient is eligible for donation, the family of the deceased will be contacted and their options regarding donation will be explained to them. The recovery of donated tissue needs to occur within 12 to 24 hours of death (depending on cooling of the body) and prior to embalming. Ideally, the referral will be made as early as possible to ensure that no logistical concerns stand in the way of the individual or family’s wishes.

Donation Regulations

Organ, tissue and eye donation is regulated by a number of state and national agencies. The purpose of these regulations ranges from when to make referrals to who can provide consent for donation. Below are the regulations that impact emergency responders.

Uniform Anatomical Gift Act (UAGA)

The Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act (UAGA) defines the requirements of an emergency responder in dealing with a candidate for organ, tissue or eye donation in section 71-4835 of the state statute.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) allows for the reporting of patient information for the purposes of donation under section §164.512 (h).