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4980
qualitative
book
Laurin Bellg MD, Near Death in the ICU, Sloan Press, Chapter 7, Naomi, Pages 21-31, 2015
Near Death in the ICU, Naomi, Chapter 7, Pages 21-31, 2015
2015
F
Naomi experienced multiple cardiac arrests during treatment for a massive heart attack. During her first arrest in the emergency department, she observed from above as staff performed CPR and intubation. She saw her limp body with one arm hanging off the bed, finding it amusing how her arm bobbed during compressions. She felt peaceful and detached, experiencing no pain despite being clinically dead.
A brilliant light appeared to her left, growing brighter and closer. The light emanated intense love that was more real than physical reality. She was drawn into it "lightning fast" and experienced moving while standing still. She saw random scenes from her life traveling backwards in time until she was in her mother's womb, feeling warmth and hearing her mother's muffled voice and laugh. She then encountered her deceased mother and other familiar beings, possibly angels. Her mother told her she couldn't stay, that she must return because "it's not an act of escape but an act of completion." During subsequent cardiac arrests in the catheterization lab and ICU, Naomi continued having out-of-body experiences. She heard her own thoughts as audible words and conducted experiments, saying random words like "butter, ping pong, tacos" and hearing them echo despite her body being unconscious. She accurately observed specific medical procedures including Dr. Bellg placing a central line during cardiac arrest, the blue drape being lifted for CPR, and the team trying to place a backboard under her with Dr. Bellg saying "Whoa, whoa, whoa, my stuff" to prevent supplies from falling. The experience transformed Naomi completely. She lost all fear of death, understanding she could leave her body "when it's not an act of escape but an act of completion." She recognized she had important work remaining with her family relationships despite the challenges of her marriage.
1
Hospital
15
15
40
Moderate Evidence
10
Multiple cardiac arrests requiring CPR and defibrillation
Observed specific procedures during arrests, backboard incident
written_account
0.00
1.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Multiple resuscitations
8/3/2025
3
1
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