Erasing Death: The Science That Is Rewriting the Boundaries Between Life and Death

Erasing Death: The Science That Is Rewriting the Boundaries Between Life and Death reveals that death is not a moment in time. Death, rather, is a process—a process that can be interrupted well after it has begun. Innovative techniques have proven to be effective in revitalizing both the body and mind, but they are only employed in approximately half of the hospitals throughout the United States and Europe.
 
Dr. Sam Parnia, Director of the AWARE Study (AWAreness during REsuscitation) and one of the world’s leading experts on the scientific study of death and near-death experiences (NDE), presents cutting-edge research from the front lines of critical care and resuscitation medicine while also shedding light on the ultimate mystery: What happens to human consciousness during and after death? Dr. Parnia reveals how some form of “afterlife” may be uniquely ours, as evidenced by the continuation of the human mind and psyche after the brain stops functioning.
 
With physicians such as Dr. Parnia at the forefront, we are on the verge of discovering a new universal science of consciousness that reveals the nature of mind and a future where death is not the final defeat, but is, in fact, reversible.

Contrary to popular belief, death isnot a moment in time, such as whenthe heart stops beating, respirationceases, or the brain stops functioning. Death,rather, is a process—a process that can beinterrupted well after it has begun. Innovativetechniques, such as drastically reducing thepatient's body temperature, have proven to beeffective in revitalizing both the body andmind, but studies show they are only employedin approximately half of the hospitalsthroughout the United States and Europe.

In Erasing Death, Dr. Sam Parnia presentscutting-edge research from the front line ofcritical care and resuscitation medicine thathas enabled modern doctors to routinelyreverse death, while also shedding light onthe ultimate mystery: what happens to humanconsciousness during and after death. Parniareveals how medical discoveries focused onsaving lives have also inadvertently raised thepossibility that some form of "afterlife" maybe uniquely ours, as evidenced by the continuationof the human mind and psyche in thefirst few hours after death. Questions aboutthe "self" and the "soul" that were oncerelegated to theology, philosophy, or evenscience fiction are now being examined afreshaccording to rigorous scientific research.

With physicians such as Parnia at the forefront,we are on the verge of discovering a new universalscience of consciousness that reveals thenature of the mind and a future where death isnot the final defeat, but is in fact reversible.

“[Parnia] helps bring people back from the dead—and some return with stories. Their tales could help save lives, and even challenge traditional scientific ideas about the nature of consciousness.” - Wired

“Parnia convincingly argues that death is a dynamic biological process that only begins once the heart stops beating. Modern medicine and technology have now made it feasible for consciousness to persist in the dying brain—and come back to life.” - —Stephan A. Mayer, M.D., professor of neurology and neurological surgery at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons

“Based on his studies on ‘near-death experiences’ (or even better ‘actual-death experiences’), Parnia gives convincing arguments that there is a continuation of consciousness after physical death and that we have to reconsider our current definition of death. An important and highly recommended book.” - —Pim van Lommel, cardiologist, NDE researcher, and author of Consciousness Beyond Life

“A fascinating and informative book, written by this cutting-edge researcher on the forefront of resuscitation. Erasing Death may change the way we practice medicine.” - —Tom P. Auferheide, M.D., FACEP, FACC, FAHA, professor of emergency medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin

“Parnia is uniquely placed to understand the science underpinning cardiac arrest and CPR and to lnik this with near-death experience (NDE). More importantly, Sam has the extraordinary ability to communicate these complex concepts in a way that readers will understand. The result is a piece of work that is both stimulating and highly informative.” - —Jerry Nolan, consultant in anesthesia and intensive care medicine at the Royal United Hospital, Bath, UK, and editor-in-chief of Resuscitation

“Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in the United States and around the world. Survival after cardiac arrest varies 500 percent from one community to another. Parnia demonstrates that consciousness can persist after the disappearance of any outward sign of brain activity after injury due to lack of oxygen. His story gives hope for future improvements in resuscitation care. Those interested in cardiac arrest should read it and take heed.” - —Graham Nichol, M.D., MPH, FRCP(C), director of the University of Washington-Harborview Center for Prehospital Emergency Care in Seattle, Washington

“Parnia has captured the miracle of life and the ability of CPR to reverse death from sudden cardiac arrest. The medical community and the public should learn from these compelling stories of survivors and celebrate the power of CPR; a skill that can, and should, be performed by every bystander who witnesses another person’s sudden collapse.” - —Robert E. O'Connor, M.D., MPH, professor and chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Virginia School of Medicine

“A fascinating discussion that addresses medical, moral and social issues and their implications for understanding consciousness, self-awareness and the soul.” - —Kirkus

“Parnia has captured the miracle of life… The public should learn from these compelling stories.” - —Robert E. O'Connor, M.D., MPH,professor and chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Virginia School of Medicine

“Parnia has the extraordinary ability to communicate these complex concepts in a way that readers will understand. The result is a piece of work that is both stimulating and highly informative.” - —Jerry Nolan, M.D., consultant in anesthesia and intensive care medicine at the Royal United Hospital, Bath, UK, and editor-in-chief of Resuscitation

“Parnia demonstrates that consciousness can persist after the disappearance of any outward sign of brain activity... His story gives hope for future improvements.” - —Graham Nichol, M.D., MPH, FRCP(C),director of the University of Washington–Harborview Center for Prehospital Emergency Care in Seattle, Washington

“Erasing Death is a solidly researched and carefully presented story that will astound readers and make them rethink what we believe about the border between life and death.” - -Bruce Greyson, M.D., Carlson Professor of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences at the University of Viginia Health System

“What happens when we die, and what lies beyond death’s door, are among human-kind’s most enduring questions. Erasing Death offers groundbreaking new insights into these vital questions. You won’t want to miss out on this outstanding and highly recommended book.” - —Jeffrey Long, M.D., author of the New York Times bestselling Evidence of the Afterlife