Southern Cryonics, the first known cryonics facility in the Southern Hemisphere, has successfully frozen its first client. The facility, located in Holbrook, NSW, announced the cryogenic preservation of a man in his 80s, who passed away in Sydney. Known as ‘Patient One,’ the man’s body was frozen at minus 200 degrees Celsius with hopes of future revival.
Challenges and preparation
Philip Rhoades, Southern Cryonics’ facility manager, described the process as highly stressful due to the complexity and precision required. The team had been preparing to accept bodies this year, but ‘Patient One’ was an unexpected case, requiring rapid organization and testing of cryonics equipment.
Cryonics: Detailed preservation process
The preservation began immediately after the man’s death on May 12. His body was initially cooled to 6 degrees Celsius in the hospital’s cold room. Doctors then pumped a liquid antifreeze through his body to preserve cells and lower the temperature further. The body was wrapped in a special sleeping bag, packed in dry ice to reach minus 80 degrees Celsius, and then transferred to Holbrook. Upon arrival, his temperature was reduced to minus 200 degrees Celsius before being placed in a vacuum storage pod.
Cost and future capacity
The entire 10-hour process cost $170,000, including fees for medical assistance. Southern Cryonics currently has one dewar that can hold four bodies, with potential expansion to accommodate up to 40 bodies, anticipating future demand.