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4969
qualitative
book
Bellg, Laurin MD, Near Death in the ICU, Sloan Press, Chapter 3 - The View From Above, Howard, Pages 37-44, 2016
Near Death in the ICU, Howard, Chapter 3, pages 37-44, 2016
2016
M
Howard, a chronic alcoholic, underwent emergency surgery for dead bowel tissue. Post-operatively, he suffered cardiac arrest in the ICU due to low magnesium levels. During the code, he experienced shooting out of the top of his head with incredible speed after hearing intense buzzing. He found himself bobbing against the ceiling, looking down at his body while the medical team worked on him. He tried swimming through the air to return to his body but couldn't, convincing him he was dead.
Howard observed specific details: hearing "Turn up the juice" before defibrillation, watching the doctor intubate him after commenting about sticky mucus in his throat, seeing himself receive four shocks before rhythm returned. Most remarkably, he noticed Dr. Bellg's bright lime-green blouse peeking from her white coat, which appeared to glow and vibrate with streaming filaments of color that mesmerized him. Rising through the ceiling, he felt different densities passing through insulation, saw wiring and pipes, then entered the nurse training center above the ICU. He accurately described mannequins on beds with IVs in rooms around the perimeter and computer workstations in the center - details he couldn't have known. Days later while still intubated, he desperately tried to communicate about the "green shirt" using a letter board. After extubation, Howard shared his complete experience, interpreting it as an opportunity to see the devastating state his unhealthy habits had created. The experience shocked him into lasting sobriety from alcohol and tobacco, transforming his life completely.
1
Hospital
10
15
35
Moderate Evidence
10
Documented cardiac arrest in ICU with monitoring, required multiple defibrillations
Accurately described nurse training center above ICU, specific medical procedures, and unique green shirt
written_account
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Patient intubated
8/3/2025
5
2
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