Cryogenics is a subject that captures the imagination. The process involves freezing the body of a deceased person in the hope that research will eventually be able to regenerate it and thus revive their consciousness.
Although to date, no results have confirmed that this is possible, researchers studying the subject believe that science will one day be able to bring a human being back to life.
In this article, learn more about the cryogenics process and how to access it thanks to the cryonics expertise of Urgel Bourgie / Athos.
Cryopreservation: a cutting-edge choice of disposal
Although much less common, cryopreservation is a method of disposing of the deceased, just like burying, cremation, and aquamation.
In Canada, there are currently no facilities capable of preserving a body at very low temperatures for long periods of time. However, Urgel Bourgie/Athos has developed a partnership with the Cryonics Institute, a world leader in cryogenics located in the United States.
Cryonics: An Urgel Bourgie / Athos expertise
Cryopreservation requires several precise and technically controlled actions, from the first moments after passing to the transport of the deceased to the facilities, including the preparation of the body.
With a view to offering the same meticulous care and high-quality services to all the people it supports, regardless of their choice of disposition, Urgel Bourgie / Athos has developed a process specifically for people who wish to be cryogenically frozen: cryonics.
Cryonics refers to the preparatory phase that precedes the transfer of a deceased person to long-term storage facilities dedicated to cryopreservation.
This process consists of 5 steps:
- Ante-mortem waiting time
When a person is about to die in a medical unit, a team of thanatology technicians is waiting besides the person to be ready when the time comes. This can take from several hours to several days if natural death is expected. Next, the time frame is very short. After death, cells begin to decay rapidly. Since brain cells cannot be regenerated, it is important to start as soon as possible.
- Declaration of death and initial handling
As soon as death is pronounced by the doctor, an anticoagulant is immediately injected. Cardiac massage is then performed to circulate the anticoagulant throughout the body, keeping the blood in a liquid state.
- Cooling
The body must be cooled as quickly as possible. A special process allows ice-cold water to be kept in continuous circulation throughout the procedure, from the place of death to the thanatology laboratory. Ideally, transport should take place within an hour.
- Preparation at the laboratory
At the laboratory, a team is waiting for the deceased. They are ready to proceed as soon as the body arrives. Cryoprotective liquids are used in several separate injections, one after the other. This stage is monitored remotely by the Cryonics Institute laboratory team.
- Sending to the cryonics institute
Once the body has been prepared, it is placed in a special thermal container adapted to the standards set by the cryopreservation institute. The deceased is wrapped in a cotton shroud and placed on dry ice, which is also placed on each side and on top of the body.
It is then kept in a monitored freezer for three days, until the body reaches the temperature of the dry ice. Finally, the deceased will be placed in an insulated wooden box for transport.
The time between death and arrival at the Cryonics Institute facility is approximately 5 days. Upon arrival, the deceased is placed in a liquid nitrogen cylinder at a temperature of -196 degrees Celsius.
Good to knowIn addition to the cryonics process, the Urgel Bourgie/Athos team takes care of all the legal and customs formalities necessary for the successful completion of this arrangement. |
Urgel Bourgie / Athos: Bringing together tradition and innovation
Traditions evolve at the same pace as society. The same is true for funeral rituals and resting places. By incorporating cryopreservation into its range of disposal options, Urgel Bourgie / Athos seeks to broaden its horizons, but above all, to respond to the ever-changing needs of its community.
We invite you to contact us to learn more about cryopreservation or for any other inquiries regarding our funeral services.
FAQ (frequently asked questions)
Can you be cryogenically frozen in Canada?
There are no cryogenic facilities in Canada yet, but Urgel Bourgie/Athos has developed a partnership with the American company Cryonics Institute to offer this service to its customers.Can cryopreservation be included in funeral pre-arrangements?
Yes, it is possible to choose cryopreservation as a method of disposition following passing when planning your funeral pre-arrangements. Please feel free to consult one of our pre-arrangement consultants for more information.
Can you come back to life after being cryogenically frozen?
Although to date, no scientific results have confirmed that a human being can actually regain consciousness after being cryogenically frozen following their passing, some researchers believe that it will one day be possible.