It instantly alerts medical personnel to your wishes. It increases the chances that your organs and tissues can be used to benefit others if you die. Organs and tissues must be removed quickly . Most tissues must be removed within 24 hours, specifically heart, liver and kidneys. Organs must be removed as soon as possible after brain death occurs.
Brain death means there is a total absence of brain activity.
Special machines are used to maintain breathing and blood pressure. The longer the machines are used, the less likely the organs will be usable for transplant. Your donor card is a legal document . Depending on your state laws, your next of kin may still need to give consent for any organ or tissue donation. That's why it's so important to tell family members your wishes.