How is it disturbing? All it says is that if all else fails, you're dying, and something needs to be done *now*, doctors can use experimental techniques or gear on you to try to save your life. I find it comforting that if a friend or family member, or even myself is severely injured in a car accident, brought in unconscious and dying, and the doctor has an experimental drug that can save their life, he can in good conscience and without fear of malpractice suit adminster it. If you are dying already, and nothing else can save you, trying something, anything to save your life is worth it, IMHO. It's not like you have anything to lose at that point, and it's not like your situation is going to get *worse*.
How many times have we heard about people dying from accidents, only to later find out that there was some experimental treatment that they could have been given to save them *IN THAT SAME HOSPITAL*, but couldn't, because of consent laws and the fear of lawsuits? I can recall at least four incidents, personally.
You make good points. But there are people who may not want that sort of thing done for a variety of reasons. In some cases religious objections exist to certain forms of medical treatment. Also in some cases there could be side effects which might prove worse than death. Its a tough call. But I think consent needs to be gotten before going into experimental methods to save someone's life. Those who are share your concerns should carry some kind of card in their wallet that says you authorize any and all measures which might prolong your life.
Thanks for the info linked in your # 16.
There's also the synthetic blood that's been tested in limited areas. I don't recall the name of the blood replacement or the manufacturer, but I read about it here on FR, and the debate between FReepers went much as this thread is tending.
The issue with this experimental synthetic blood is that it is able to deliver oxygen through the bloodstream, whereas the fluid administered by EMTs before you reach the hospital can only replace volume of blood lost (preventing cardiac arrest) but the brain and other organs are still depleted of oxygen until blood typing/administration can take place.
That's this layman's understanding. YMMV