Manchester UK – It is almost unprecedented that an autopsy is waved for an apparent unexplained death. But thanks to Misaskim, a family of a distinguished 63-year old member of the community were at least comforted that an autopsy was prevented last week. For Misaskim, the story began when medical officials declared the man to be brain dead but had no explanation for why he had gone into cardiac arrest in the first place. The family contacted Misaskim officials who immediately made their way to the hospital and spent the rest of Shabbos discussing and exploring all possibilities with the Consultants and medical staff. Scans were sent to top neurosurgeons at Salford Royal and all the replies were the same: “there is nothing that can be done; the damage is too great.” Misaskim consulted with Rabbonim, and were told not to get involved in the decision making when to remove the ventilator. Misaskim stayed with the family throughout until he was niftar early Sunday morning.
The Doctor at ICU informed the Misaskim volunteers that since the cause of the collapse was unknown, it would be referred to the coroner for investigation. Misaskim discussed the case at length with the coroner, and it was agreed that Misaskim would move the body from the hospital mortuary to the Jewish Mortuary, pending an MRI scan later in the day. But unless the cause of the collapse could be explained, a full autopsy would be necessary. But because the MRI was inconclusive, the Coroner insisted that the body be moved to the Central Manchester Mortuary for a possible autopsy. After consulting specialists and others, the break came when a local physician was able to verify that he had treated the patient and a case was made that the patient collapsed due to an epileptic seizure which lead to the cardiac arrest.
The coroner was called and agreed with the cause of death and signed the release. Misaskim then coordinated with lightening speed the registration, all the coroner paperwork including the out of England burial order, collection of the body from the mortuary, Tahara and at 9PM the levaya left from his house to Eretz Yisroel. A large crowd gathered in the cold weather to say their final goodbye to this well loved and well respected individual.
The Manchester case was a further example of the worldwide network of Misaskim who are on call whenever needed.
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One Response
Another good result from the Manchester Asken Motti Bamberger. This is the same Manchester Misaskim led by the famous Danny Leifman, that recently retrieved a Nifter from Puerto Rico.