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4514
qualitative
book
Mays, Robert G. and Mays, Suzanne B. "Near-Death Experiences: Extended Naturalism or Promissory Physicalism? A Response to Fischer's Article." Case reported by Dr. Laurin Bellg. Case 1: Howard.
Mays Response to Fischer 2024
2024
Unknown
Howard suffered a severe cardiac arrest requiring immediate resuscitation efforts. He was successfully resuscitated and placed on a ventilator for respiratory support. During his cardiac arrest and subsequent coma, Howard experienced a profound near-death experience that began with awareness of the resuscitation efforts occurring around his physical body.
During the resuscitation, Howard observed numerous specific details despite being clinically unconscious. He saw Dr. Bellg fumbling to retrieve her stethoscope from her pocket, causing her pens to fall onto the bed. He heard her specific comments while inserting the intubation tube. These observations were particularly remarkable given that cardiac arrest patients typically have no conscious awareness or memory formation capabilities during such events. Howard then experienced a unique out-of-body sensation where he felt himself rising up through the ceiling. He reported feeling the different densities as he passed through the building structure, including insulation, wiring, and pipes. This tactile sensation during the out-of-body state is noteworthy. He found himself in another room that looked like a hospital setting but was unusually quiet. He observed what appeared to be mannequins in beds with IVs connected to them. In the center of this space was an open area with a collection of workstations equipped with computers. When Howard was eventually weaned from the ventilator and able to communicate, he immediately related these experiences to Dr. Bellg and the attending nurse. His description of the room above the ICU was remarkably accurate - it was a nurse training center with simulated hospital rooms containing medical mannequins on beds, and a central area with computer workspaces. Both Dr. Bellg and the nurse were surprised by the accuracy of his description, particularly because the existence of this training center was not generally known, even among non-nursing hospital staff. The veridical nature of these perceptions, occurring while Howard was in cardiac arrest or coma, provides compelling evidence for the reality of his experience.
1
Hospital
15
15
45
Moderate Evidence
15
Documented cardiac arrest requiring resuscitation and ventilator support
Multiple specific veridical observations including hidden training center
written_account
0.00
1.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
7/22/2025
2
2
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