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4974
qualitative
book
Bellg, Laurin MD, Near Death in the ICU, Sloan Press, Chapter 11, Thomas, 2015
Near Death in the ICU, Thomas, Chapter 11, 2015
2015
M
Thomas was at a family barbecue with children and grandchildren when he suddenly collapsed from cardiac arrest. He was chasing grandchildren around the yard when his heart stopped. From his perspective, everything went quiet with sounds becoming distant echoes. He continued running, looking for the grandchildren who had disappeared. Circling back to the patio, he saw everyone gathered around something on the ground. His wife was crying and his son-in-law, an EMT, was performing CPR. Walking closer, Thomas realized the person on the ground was himself. He experienced complete separation from his body while maintaining full awareness. He tried talking to family members but no one responded or acknowledged him. He watched his family's distress, particularly noting his grandchildren's fear. Then his two-year-old granddaughter Lexy walked toward him with arms outstretched calling "Papa, Papa!" - she could clearly see him though no one else could. Before she reached him, her father scooped her up. Thomas wondered what would have happened if she had touched him. He awakened in the hospital days later. The experience left him pondering the nature of consciousness and reality, as his awareness had felt more real than his physical body.
2
Home
10
12
32
Moderate Evidence
10
Documented cardiac arrest requiring CPR, performed by EMT son-in-law at home
Observed CPR on own body, family reactions, granddaughter appeared to see him
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8/3/2025
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