The AWARE study followed more than 2,000 cardiac arrests in hospitals across the UK, US and Austria. One patient accurately described events in the room during around three minutes without a heartbeat. Researchers disagree on what that means.
Truth label: Debated. Serious people disagree. You get both sides.
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What patients reported
Of those well enough to be interviewed, a small share described fear, bright light, a sense of peace, or watching from above.
The case for
If accurate recall happens when the brain should not be working, it raises questions about how consciousness relates to the brain.
The case against
Critics point out it was one case, and the brain may keep some activity, or memories may form as people recover.
Learn
- The hidden images. Researchers placed pictures on high shelves, visible only from above. No patient who reported watching from above was in a room with one.
- Why it is hard to study. Cardiac arrests are unpredictable, and most survivors are too unwell to interview soon after.
Test yourself
How many verified cases of recall did the study report?
One. One patient's account could be checked against events.
Sources
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