X-Message-Number: 22588
Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2003 10:10:30 -0400
From: Thomas Donaldson <>
Subject: CryoNet #22574 - #22578

SOME COMMENTS FOR MARK PLUS:

As I live now in Australia his comments about getting suspension cases
to Scottsdale or the CI clearly need answering.

First of all, the fuel problem with international aircraft is agreed
by all parties to be temporary and has nothing to do with any more
general problems with oil supply.

Second, teams and workers from both CI and Alcor have come to Australia
to do the initial stages of suspension and take away the patient
afterwards. CI has done this most recently; several years ago, Alcor
also sent a team. 

To what extent does this cause a bad suspension? Basically, we have a 
specially designed system to keep the temperature of the patient
close to but slightly above zero C (physical freezing without cryo-
protectant would be clearly harmful) and send him/her to the relevant
cryonics center. The patient, already cooled down, is put inside
a separate container which is then put into the shipping container
and surrounded with ice. As you can guess, the inner container is
metal and conducts the cold very well. This system even allows 
inspection by customs inspectors and security staff, if they 
request it.

Moreover, at least one Alcor patient actually travelled while alive
to Alcor for likely suspension in the US. As you might guess, he
was only barely alive, but alive nonetheless. Speaking for myself
alone, I am hoping to do the same. I have dual citizenship in
both the US and Australia.

As for deterioration while kept cold, even temperatures slightly
above freezing make a lot of difference. An Australian patient
would basically get the same treatment as a US patient, but with
a somewhat longer period before suspension (in the sense of 
infusion with cryoprotectant or vitrification solution and 
lowering to temperatures below 0 C). 

Finally, in terms of expense, yes, the patient pays for the team
to fly to Australia ... just as a US patient not living in 
Scottsdale would pay for a team to come to him and care for
him upon his official "death".

            Best wishes and long long life for all,

                 Thomas Donaldson

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