New research on cardiac arrest survivors indicates that nearly 40% retain memories, dreamlike experiences, or some form of perception during CPR, with brain activity suggesting awareness for up to an hour during resuscitation.
Dr. Sam Parnia, lead author and associate professor at NYU Langone Health, highlights the study’s significance, noting that cardiac arrest presents a unique scenario where individuals teeter between life and death, yet a substantial proportion maintain a level of consciousness during the ordeal.
The study, published in Resuscitation, involved 567 individuals undergoing cardiac arrest resuscitation across 25 hospitals.
Of the 53 survivors, 11 reported memories or perceptions indicative of consciousness during resuscitation, supported by brainwave measurements indicating mental function during CPR. Notably, patients exhibited varying recollections, from aspects of medical treatment to dreamlike sensations or transcendent experiences often associated with near-death encounters.
While the implications of these experiences remain uncertain, they shed light on the emotional impact and psychological consequences for survivors.
Dr. Sheldon Cheskes, an emergency medicine professor at the University of Toronto, underscores the importance of addressing such memories and experiences post-resuscitation to mitigate potential psychological distress. Furthermore, the study’s findings emphasize the critical role of prompt CPR, 911 calls, and AED use in improving cardiac arrest outcomes and saving lives in out-of-hospital settings.
