Earlier in 2007, we started the pilot phase of a scientific study into mind, brain and consciousness including near death experience during cardiac arrest. The first phase of the study started at two hospitals and is now being expanding out to a further ten in the next few weeks.

The aim of the study is to better understand conscious awareness during cardiac arrest. As part of this study local investigators will identify cardiac arrest survivors, and interview them regarding any experiences that they may have had. They will then look at possible factors that may lead to near death type experiences, including oxygen levels, drugs, and culture. We will also be placing a number of A4 sized shelves in certain areas within the hospital where patients' may have cardiac arrests. These will be placed at a height of 6'4 from the ground, so that they will not interfere with patient care in any way. The aim of these shelves is to test potential claims of being 'out of body' or being able to see.

In the last five years a number of studies (including our own) have indicated that around 10-20% of cardiac arrest survivors report lucid thought processes, memories and sometimes detailed recall of their cardiac arrest(most recall experiences that are similar to near death experiences). What is really interesting is that brain function has been shown to cease during cardiac arrest, paradoxically raising the possibility that the human mind and consciousnes may function when the brain is not functioning and also when the clinical criteria of death have been met. This is a new and fascinating area of study and may have widespread implications for understanding the relationship between the mind, brain and consciousness as well as death itself. Therefore, as part of our study we will be trialing the use of portable EEG monitors or a brain oxygen monitor (Invos)to investigate the possibility of testing brain function as well.

As well as at Southampton, we are conducting this study at Hammersmith and Charing Cross, St Georges, Mayday, Ashford and St Peters', Swansea, Royal Bournemouth, Stevenage, Northampton and Bedford hospitals. There are also a few other centres that have agreed to participate and will be enrolled in the next phase.

The scientific steering committee for this study includes Dr Peter Fenwick (Psychiatry), Professor Stephen Holgate (Respiratory Medicine), Professor Robert Peveler (Psychiatry) (all, University of Southampton, UK) as well as Mr Ken Spearpoint, (Resuscitation, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK), Dr Penny Sartori (Intensive Care Nursing, Morriston Hospital, UK), Professor Bruce Greyson (Psychiatry, University of Virginia, USA), Professor Jan Holden (Counselling, University of North Texas, USA) and Dr Mario Beauregard (Neuroscience, University of Montreal, Canada).

We will bring more information once the entire study is fully up and running. Watch this space!