Organ Donation, Age, and Lessons from a Tragedy

The Value of Every Life, and Every Organ

One of the most persistent myths in organ donation is that age can rule you out. It’s simply not true. People in their 80s and 90s have donated organs that saved lives. Medical teams assess the health of each organ, not the date on a birth certificate.

In other words, anyone, at almost any age, can leave a lifesaving legacy.

A Confronting Reality Check

The other day, I attended the scene of a fatal car crash.

Among the injured was an elderly woman. I approached with a ready to use resuscitation mask in my hand, identified myself as an advanced first aider and instructor, and offered to assist.

My offer was declined, and I was told the lady had already passed. CPR commenced once I approached and stated my qualifications and willingness to assist. Whether it was happening before I arrived or not, I cannot know, but when I arrived, no compressions were occurring.

This is not about blame. It’s about recognising a gap that could cost lives.

It is recognising WHY we recommend annual CPR training and assessment.

We need help at these times, but our natural instinct can be “I’ve got this” but we NEED to override that and say YES instead. Two hands are better than one, and CPR is about SURVIVAL.

What we need to remember, is that survival outcome is not always about the person we are working on, it can also be the people who gain lifesaving organs as a result of effective and continuous CPR.

Why Immediate CPR Matters

When someone becomes unresponsive and isn’t breathing normally, CPR must begin immediately. Not when we’re certain of the outcome. Not after credentials are double-checked. Every minute without CPR reduces the chance of survival and decreases the likelihood that vital organs can be used for donation.

CPR doesn’t just give a person a chance to live, it can keep their organs functioning long enough to save someone else’s life if they cannot be saved themselves.

First Responders: We Set the Standard

Whether you’re a first aid instructor, a workplace first aider, or simply someone who’s done a CPR course, you carry a responsibility to act without hesitation doing the best you can according to your experience and training. Leadership in emergencies isn’t just about wearing a uniform or a branded shirt. It’s about stepping in, following protocol, and giving that person every possible chance.

It is also recognising that when you ARE wearing a branded shirt identifying you as someone of authority (such as a well-known First Aid Training company that people associate with trust) people are going to look to you for the decisions.

Most importantly, in a First Aid scenario accepting help is crucial. CPR is not the time to go it alone; you are not doing anyone any favours by refusing assistance.

Age Is Not the Limiting Factor

Any person of any age can potentially be an organ donor. Viability is assessed organ-by-organ, not based on age. The decision belongs to the medical team, and they can only make it if organs are kept viable through prompt, effective intervention, and continuous CPR.

Every Second Counts

First aid is more than a skill, it’s an opportunity to protect life, dignity, and hope. If you’re first on scene, don’t underestimate the impact of immediate CPR.

Don’t make decisions based on what you think the outcome will be. As far as we are concerned as First Aiders, EVERYONE has a chance to live and if they don’t someone else might.

You could save the person in front of you.

You could save the person waiting for a transplant.

You could help their family know that even in loss, their loved one gave the gift of life.

Action. Knowledge. Compassion. That’s what makes the difference.