UPDATE: Natasha Richardson confirmed brain-dead, will be taken off life support

Examiner ^ | March 18, 9:35 AM | LIz Barret

[aruanan]

BofT...if you ever, ever get knocked out (loss of consciousness) an ambulance should be summoned.

This is just what I was going to say. My niece's car was hit by someone running the stop sign at over 60 mph. She was thrown from her car (seat belt anchor broke) and sustained multiple skull fractures, a subdural and an epidural hematoma, broken ribs, collar bone, pelvis, and hip socket, had her spleen and part of her pancreas removed. It was only because of prompt EMS arrival and treatment to relieve cranial pressure before airlifting her to another hospital that saved her. Even now she's going to have to do without a major portion of her skull until she's recovered enough to replace the bone. Her coma score was 6 but she's conscious, joking, and able to use her laptop. We're very thankful.

[Ann Archy]

GOOD FREAKING GRIEF!! They will pull the plug after two DAYS????? GRIPES!

[Eagle Eye]

Oh well....too late for me. More sports related concussions than I can easily count! Probably explains a lot...or so my wife would say.

[sarasota]

My sentiments exactly. I called my daughter and asked her if this happened to me, would she tell the doc to pull the plug. Without hesitation her answer was a definitive NO.

[libbylu]

The one that is on Greta all the time,can’t think of his name.

[grellis]

If the damage were severe enough--zero chance of recovery--I wouldn't even want my husband to wait two or three days, and he knows it. I hate the idea of my boys sitting by my bed in a hospital, hooked up to machines and monitors--a part of them would certainly believe that with all that going on, Mom might still be okay. I wouldn't want them to go through that one single moment longer than necessary.

In Richardson's case, I'll bet there is no hope of recovery, none. The family can well afford the very best medical treatment for as long as is necessary, if there is any glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. She may also have a DNR in place, which even her husband's wishes couldn't supercede.

[CedarDave]

I wonder if she is an organ donor, of if Neeson will authorize it. She was in the prime of life and they can certainly help others who are sick and awaiting transplants. She was active in medical causes so I imagine she is a donor. We shall see.

[lainie]

euch, I know exactly where the family’s thoughts are. Which is to say, fuzzy and nonsensical, and blood is rushing in their ears 24/7 and they can’t believe what they’re about to have to do. It’s just awful.

[Ann Archy]

You must not be a beliver in MIRACLES.

[grellis]

You must not be a beliver in MIRACLES.

Yes, I am. I am also a believer in true brain death--not Schiavo's condition, but brain death, when the brain ceases to exist as a functioning organ. There are some injuries from which no human can recover--that is what I believe, and that belief is reflected in my "wishes." I certainly wish to live a long, happy and healthy life, but should the worst occur, I wish to minimize the emotional suffering of my family.

[rintense]

Yes, I read that her organs will indeed be donated.

[CedarDave]

Glad to hear that. Notwithstanding the politics of her mother and father, she seemed to be a very hard working actress and a caring, normal person who didn’t put on airs as so many do. That’s what makes this death strike harder than so many others.

[lainie]

http://www.nypost.com/seven/03182009/news/regionalnews/natasha_left_brain_dead_160187.htm

She’s been removed from life support now.

[ican'tbelieveit]

NO KIDDING! But people are jumping up and down for this reality. UGH. Today, I needed to get an appt for my daughter with a specialist, per her primary care physician. Of course, the specialist’s receptionist refused, she is too young. I had to sic the first doctor on the specialist. When I called back later this afternoon, the receptionist that insisted we couldn’t see the specialist was not happy with my return call... but made the appt.