[Nathan Zachary]

To me it reads that if, as a last ditch effort to save a life, experimental treatments may be used without going through the usual process, which would take to long and result in the persons death anyways.

I don't see any "Joseph Mengele" intent here. The wording and guidelines haven't even been discussed, tabled, finalized yet, so how can anyone read "Joseph Mengele" intent into this?

[Spktyr]

Exactly - all this says is that if you're carried in unconscious and dying, normal treatments wouldn't work, and the only option that could possibly save you from death is experimental, they don't have to wait to get consent. And this is *only* in cases where the *only* alternative to the experimental technique or gear is **death**. So basically, you, the patient, have nothing to lose (because you're going to die otherwise, because conventional treatments won't help) and everything to gain (you may have to have AA batteries on you the rest of your life, but hey, you're still alive.)

As for actual examples of this technique saving people, here you go. It takes place in Israel, where such guidelines are already in place; check out the bottom sidebar: http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg18925435.800-saved-by-sand-poured-into-the-wounds.html

[CindyDawg]

It's a lot to wade thru but that's what it looks like to me too. ER experimental medication for someone not responding, unconscious and no time to track down next of kin.