An Australian man underwent the first successful cryonics suspension via Southern Cryonics and CryoPath tech.
Southern Cryonics, an Australian organization pioneering the cryopreservation of human bodies at ultra-low temperatures.
The concept seen in numerous sci-fi movies is inspiring real-life innovations such as Steve Rogers in Marvel’s Captain America: The First Soldier survived after spending decades frozen in ice in a state of suspended animation before being found and recovered.
Recently, an Australian man in his 80s, who died on May 12, decided to have his body frozen via a cryogenic process in hopes of revival in the future.
The cryonics practice was developed by Southern Cryonics, the first cryonics facility in the Southern Hemisphere, which opened in February 2023. They devised protocols for freezing and preserving dead bodies in collaboration with Aaron Drake of Arizona Medical Science.
Cryonics: Cooling body to low temp
This particular method involves several steps to stabilize and cool the body to extremely low temperatures using specialized equipment.
Cryonics is described as the practice of preserving individuals at very low temperatures after legal death, with the speculative hope that future medical technology will allow for the revival and restoration of health.
The term cryogenics comes from the Greek word “Kyros” meaning cold. Many believe that cryogenic could possibly imply a form of immortality and science fiction has led them to the idea of living together.
In reality, however, individuals who choose cryogenic freezing hope that future scientific advancements may enable them to be revived and cured of any ailments they had at the time of death.
This hope stems from the belief that future medical technology will be significantly more advanced and capable of addressing conditions that are currently incurable.
The Austrian man in this case referred to as ‘Patient 1’ by the firm underwent the first successful cryonics suspension from May 12-17, 2024
The firm expressed in an official statement, “After learning of Patient 1’s deteriorating condition, we swiftly responded to his passing on May 12 in Sydney.”
“Thanks to the quick action of our team, including Phil Rhoades, Australian Blood Management (ABM), and the cooperation of hospital staff, we promptly began the suspension process. Patient 1 was transferred from the hospital’s cooling room to A. O’Hare funeral home, packed in ice. We appreciate the funeral director’s immediate support.”
The procedure took place in Sydney, Australia. After initial preparations, the body was transported to Southern Cryonics’ facility in Holbrook.
The statement further noted that ABM’s team comprised four to six members including clinical perfusionists and a doctor who worked tirelessly for 10 hours, following stabilization and vitrification perfusion protocols using the latest ECMO technology.
“The patient was securely wrapped in a special sleeping bag that stays intact in liquid nitrogen. Patient 1 was then cooled to dry ice temperature and transported to our Holbrook facility,” the firm added.
Post acquiring the body, Patient 1 was eventually brought to liquid nitrogen temperatures at the facility’s computer-controlled cooling chamber and then transferred to a Dewar.
This initiative was led by Phil Rhoades with support from Joe Allen, Neil Britt, and assistance from Scribble Films. The entire process was completed on May 17.
“The protocols, developed with Aaron Drake of Arizona Medical Science, were followed meticulously. This successful operation was a true team effort, demonstrating exceptional dedication and professionalism. We are immensely proud of this achievement,” Southern Cryonics noted.
