Southern Cryonics (SC) and CryoPath are pleased to announce the successful suspension of Patient 2, who was based in Melbourne. The suspension process took place over Friday and Saturday, July 4–5, 2025.
In attendance were Phil Rhoades, SC Facility Manager and CryoPath representative, and Joe Allen, an SC/CryoPath associate. Both are executive members of the Cryonics Association of Australasia and were present on behalf of CryoPath on Friday. Phil remained with the patient and her family and friends until her passing on Friday afternoon. He and Joe were then involved in every stage of the procedure through to its completion on Saturday night.
Immediately following the patient’s passing on late Friday afternoon, she was packed in water ice, with particular attention given to cooling the head, and transported—with Phil in attendance—to a local funeral home arranged specifically for our procedures. The staff at the funeral home were exceptionally helpful and responsive, and their support contributed significantly to the overall success of the suspension.
At the funeral home, the team from Australian Blood Management—comprising a doctor and two clinical perfusionists—commenced the perfusion and further cooling process. This three-member team had flown in from Sydney earlier that Friday afternoon and worked on the patient for approximately six hours. The procedure was carried out with professionalism and precision, meeting all the requirements of our protocol.
At around 9 p.m. on Friday, following completion of the procedure, the patient was transferred to the Holbrook facility. Phil and Joe travelled by car, while the patient was transported via hearse, arriving at the facility at approximately 4 a.m. on Saturday morning. Phil and Joe worked tirelessly throughout the day to conduct the controlled cool-down process, which continued until 9 p.m., when the patient was placed into a dewar containing liquid nitrogen. Their dedication throughout the entire process was nothing short of heroic.
The suspension of Patient 2 has demonstrated that, with proper planning and adequate notice, Southern Cryonics and CryoPath, with the very able assistance of Australian Blood Management, can effectively manage interstate patients. Most importantly, this success reflects the professionalism and commitment of everyone involved.
