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Sam Parnia is an Assistant professor of Medicine at the Stony Brook University School of Medicine where he also is director of research into cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and he is director of the Human Consciousness Project at the University of Southampton. Parnia is known for his work on near-death experiences and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Education and career

Parnia graduated from Guys and St. Thomas' Medical School in London where he received his MBBS in 1995. He then went on to the University of Southampton where he worked as a clinical research fellow and earned a PhD in cell biology; he graduated in 2007. He retained a title as honorary research fellow at University of Southampton, and continued to do work with that institution through the Human Consciousness Project that he founded and directs.

Parnia completed his fellowship training in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at the University of London and at the Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City in 2010 and then joined the faculty at Stony Brook University School of Medicine as a member of the Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Division, where he also directs research into cardiopulmonary resuscitation. His UK medical credentials were recognized by the State of New York as a medical degree in 2012.

The Horizon Research Foundation was founded in 1987 to fund and foster research into near death experiences; as of 2016 Parnia owned the domain for its website and was a trustee, along with David Lorimer, Peter Fenwick, and John Tomlinson.

Research

Optimization of brain resuscitation after cardiac arrest

Parnia is known for his involvement and research in the field of emergency medicine and cardiac arrest resuscitation. He conducts research on, and advocates for wider application of, best practices for resuscitation when people die; namely better, perhaps automated cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques, the use of targeted temperature management, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, brain oximetry, and prevention of reperfusion injury, and wrote his book, Reversing Death (published in the UK as the Lazarus Effect) as part of that effort. He says that many people who are actually dead from heart attacks or blood loss could be resuscitated up to 24 hours after their decease if contemporary best practices as defined by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation were used promptly.

The main focus of Parnia's research has been in the optimization of brain monitoring and oxygen delivery methods with a goal of reducing long-term brain injuries as well as disorders of consciousness such as a persistent vegetative state. In order to avoid these disabilities, Parnia believes the study of consciousness should be a routine part of cardiac arrest brain injury research. The other side of his work, which he conducts with a team at the State University of New York and across multiple other medical centers in the UK, is consciousness during cardiac arrest. This includes near-death experiences.

Consciousness and near death experience research

Parnia has advocated for the use of the term "actual death experience" instead of near death experience (NDE), to describe human experiences that occur during a period of cardiac arrest. He has stated: “contrary to perception, death is not a specific moment but a potentially reversible process that occurs after any severe illness or accident causes the heart, lungs and brain to cease functioning. If attempts are made to reverse this process, it is referred to as ‘cardiac arrest’; however, if these attempts do not succeed it is called ‘death’. He has mostly studied those who have no heart beat and no detectable brain activity for periods of time and believes cardiac arrest is the optimal model to help understand the human experience of death.

In 2001, Parnia and colleagues published the results of a year-long study of cardiac arrest survivors. 63 survivors were interviewed; 7 had memories of the time they were unconscious and 4 had experiences that, according to the study criteria, were NDEs. Out of body claims were tested by placing figures on suspended boards facing the ceiling, not visible from the floor. No positive results were reported, and no conclusions could be drawn due to the small number of subjects.

AWAreness during REsuscitation (AWARE) study

Parnia was the principal investigator of the AWARE Study, which was sponsored by the University of Southampton and launched in 2008. This study which concluded in 2012 included 33 investigators across 15 medical centers in the UK, Austria and the USA and tested consiousness and awareness as well as near-death experiences (NDE) during cardiac arrest. The aim was to test for consciousness and awareness as well as near-death experiences (NDE) during cardiac arrest by installing shelves bearing a variety of images in rooms where cardiac-arrest patients were likely to need reviving. The results of the study were published in October 2014; both the launch and the study results were widely discussed in the media.

According to a joint State University of New York and University of Southampton press release: "39% of patients who survived cardiac arrest and were able to undergo structured interviews described a perception of awareness, but interestingly did not have any explicit recall of events. Among those who reported a perception of awareness and completed further interviews, 46% experienced a broad range of mental recollections in relation to death that were not compatible with the commonly used term of NDE’s. These included fearful and persecutory experiences. Only 9% had experiences compatible with NDEs and 2% exhibited full awareness compatible with OBE’s with explicit recall of ‘seeing’ and ‘hearing’ events. One case was validated and timed using auditory stimuli during cardiac arrest". Summarizing the conclusions of the study investigators, Parnia had stated: “This is significant, since it has often been assumed that experiences in relation to death are likely hallucinations or illusions, occurring either before the heart stops or after the heart has been successfully restarted, but not an experience corresponding with ‘real’ events when the heart isn’t beating. In this case, consciousness and awareness appeared to occur during a three-minute period when there was no heartbeat. This is paradoxical, since the brain typically ceases functioning within 20-30 seconds of the heart stopping and doesn’t resume again until the heart has been restarted. Furthermore, the detailed recollections of visual awareness in this case were consistent with verified events. Thus, while it was not possible to absolutely prove the reality or meaning of patients’ experiences and claims of awareness, (due to the very low incidence (2%) of explicit recall of visual awareness or so called OBE’s), it was impossible to disclaim them either and more work is needed in this area. Clearly, the recalled experience surrounding death now merits further genuine investigation without prejudice." The researchers also advocated for further studies to "explore whether awareness (explicit or implicit) may lead to long term adverse psychological outcomes including post-traumatic stress disorder".  

As of May 2016, a posting at the UK Clinical Trials Gateway website describes plans for AWARE II, a two-year multicenter observational study of 900-1500 patients experiencing cardiac arrest, with subjects being recruited as Aug 1 2014 and a trial end date of May 31, 2017.

Consciousness and brain/mind hypotheses

Parnia and the AWARE study investigators have stated that the occurrence of consciousness and awareness during cardiac arrest may reflect cases in which individuals undergoing cardiac arrest resuscitation had received higher quality oxygen delivery and resuscitation to the brain, leading to conscious awareness and mental recollections . However, according to Parnia results of studies of consiousness during cardiac arrest may also indicate that like electromagnetic waves, human consciousness may be a very subtle type of matter that mediates brain activity, but is not necessarily produced by the brain.

There have been mixed reactions to the results of Parnia's research into consciousness and near death experiences during cardiac arrest. The editor-in-Chief of Resuscitation, stated: “The AWARE study researchers are to be congratulated on the completion of a fascinating study that will open the door to more extensive research into what happens when we die.” Gerald Woerlee an anesthesiologist and writer called it a "landmark study". Science writer Mike McRae has noted "While Parnia's work contributes valuable data to understanding NDE as a cultural phenomenon, his speculations do indeed sit on the brink of pseudoscience." Neurologist Michael O'Brien has written that "most people would not find it necessary to postulate such a separation between mind and brain to explain the events," and suggested that further research is likely to provide a physical explanation for near-death experiences.

Selected bibliography

Books

• Parnia, Sam (2007). What Happens When We Die. Hay House. ISBN 9781401907112. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |authormask= ignored (|author-mask= suggested) (help)
• Parnia, Sam (2013). Erasing Death: The Science That is Rewriting the Boundaries Between Life and Death. Harper Collins. ISBN 9780062080608. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |authormask= ignored (|author-mask= suggested) (help)
• Parnia, Sam (2013). The Lazarus Effect: The Science That is Rewriting the Boundaries Between Life and Death. Rider. ISBN 9781846043079. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |authormask= ignored (|author-mask= suggested) (help)

Research publications

• Parnia, S; Waller, DG; Yeates, R; Fenwick, P (2001). "A qualitative and quantitative study of the incidence, features and aetiology of near-death experiences in cardiac arrest survivors". Resuscitation. 48 (2): 149–56. doi:10.1016/s0300-9572(00)00328-2. PMID 11426476.
• Parnia S; et al. (Aug 2012). "A feasibility study evaluating the role of cerebral oximetry in predicting return of spontaneous circulation in cardiac arrest". Resuscitation. 83 (8): 982–5. doi:10.1016/j.resuscitation.2012.01.039. PMID 22322284. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help)
• Ahn A, Yang J, Inigo-Santiago L, Parnia S (Apr 2014). "A feasibility study of cerebral oximetry monitoring during the post-resuscitation period in comatose patients following cardiac arrest". Resuscitation. 85 (4): 522–6. doi:10.1016/j.resuscitation.2013.12.007. PMID 24361675.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
• Parnia S; et al. (Apr 2014). "A feasibility study of cerebral oximetry during in-hospital mechanical and manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation". Crit Care Med. 42 (4): 930–3. doi:10.1097/CCM.0000000000000047. PMID 24247475. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help)
• Parnia, S; Spearpoint, K; de Vos, G; Fenwick, P; Goldberg, D; Yang, J; Zhu, J; Baker, K; Killingback, H (2014). "AWARE-AWAreness during REsuscitation-a prospective study". Resuscitation. 85 (12): 1799–805. doi:10.1016/j.resuscitation.2014.09.004. PMID 25301715. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |displayauthors= ignored (|display-authors= suggested) (help)
• Singer AJ; et al. (May 2015). "Cerebral oximetry levels during CPR are associated with return of spontaneous circulation following cardiac arrest: an observational study". Emerg Med J. 32 (5): 353–6. doi:10.1136/emermed-2013-203467. PMID 24662518. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help)
• Parnia S; Yang J, Nguyen R, Ahn A.  et al. (Sept 2016) Cerebral Oximetry During Cardiac Arrest: A Multicenter Study of Neurologic Outcomes and Survival. Critical Care Medicine 44 (9) 1663-1674.  doi: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000001723.

Reviews and editorials

• Parnia, Sam (2007). "Do reports of consciousness during cardiac arrest hold the key to discovering the nature of consciousness?". Medical Hypotheses. 69 (4): 933–7. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2007.01.076. PMID 17459598.
• Parnia, Sam (2014). "Death and consciousness - an overview of the mental and cognitive experience of death". Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1330 (1): 75–93. doi:10.1111/nyas.12582. PMID 25418460.

References

1. ^ Adams, Tim (6 April 2013). "Sam Parnia – the man who could bring you back from the dead". Health: The Observer. The Guardian. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
2. ^ The State Education Department. The University of The State of New York. Report of the Committee on the Professions Regarding Licensing Petitions Albany, N.Y: October 2, 2012.
3. Hampshire Chronicle staff.Southampton University Graduation List 2007 Part 1. Ceremony 10: School of Medicine; Doctor of Philosophy Hampshire Chronicle, published online 23 Jul 2007. Page accessed, June 7, 2016
4. ^ O'Brien, M (2003). "'The Day I Died'". BMJ (Review of TV show). 326 (7383): 288. doi:10.1136/bmj.326.7383.288. PMC 1125151.
5. ^ Nour Foundation, Speaker Profile. Sam Parnia, MD, PhD, MRCP. Page accessed April 25, 2016
6. Palchik Guillermo (2009). "Conference Report: The Nour Foundation Georgetown University & Blackfriars Hall, Oxford University Symposium Series Technology, Neuroscience & the Nature of Being: Considerations of Meaning, Morality and Transcendence Part I: The Paradox of Neurotechnology 8 May 2009". Philosophy, Ethics, and Humanities in Medicine. 2009 (4): 9. doi:10.1186/1747-5341-4-9. PMC 2717997. PMID 19615065.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
7. Peikoff, Kira. CPR Survival Rates Can Differ Greatly by City. New York Times, published online 7 December 2015. Page accessed, May 18, 2016
8. ^ UK Charity Commission. 296655 - The International Association For Near-Death Studies UK Page accessed April 25, 2016
9. Horizonresearch.org domain registration Page accessed April 25, 2016
10. Horizons Research Foundation Newsletter, Volume 1, Issue 4, Spring 2002
11. ^ Evers, Marco (29 July 2013). "Back from the dead: Resuscitation expert says end is reversible". Der Spiegel.
12. ^ Stephey, M.J. (18 September 2008). "What happens when we die?". Time.
13. "der spiegel".
14. "NPR interview".
15. PM Interview. Weill Cornell Medical Centre Doctor, Death researcher, Sam Parnia. Popular Mechanics, published online 30 June 2009
16. Gross, Terry (host); Parnia, Sam (20 February 2013). "'Erasing Death' Explores The Science Of Resuscitation". Fresh Air. NPR. WHYY-FM. Transcript. {{cite episode}}: External link in |transcripturl= (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |transcripturl= ignored (|transcript-url= suggested) (help)
17. "Reversing Death NYAS 2014".
18. French CC (2005). "Near-death experiences in cardiac arrest survivors". Prog Brain Res. 150: 351–67. doi:10.1016/S0079-6123(05)50025-6. PMID 16186035.
19. "Resuscitation Journal".
20. ^ Lichfield, Gideon (April 2015). "The science of near-death experiences: Empirically investigating brushes with the afterlife". The Atlantic.
21. Weintraub, Pamela (2 September 2014). "Seeing the light". Psychology Today.
22. Robb, Alice (8 October 2014). "The Scientists Studying Life After Death Are Not Total Frauds". The New Republic.
23. "SUNY AWARE Study press release".
24. ^ </ "AWARE Results Press Release".
25. UK Clinical Trials Gateway. Primary Trial ID Number 17129, entitled "AWARE II (AWAreness during REsuscitation) A Multi-Centre Observational Study of the Relationship between the Quality of Brain Resuscitation and Consciousness, Neurological, Functional and Cognitive Outcomes following Cardiac Arrest" Last updated May 3, 2016. Page archived May 9, 2016
26. "UK Health Research Authority".
27. "Consciousness After Death: Strange Tales From the Frontiers of Resuscitation Medicine".
28. </ "Gerald Woerlee Review of AWARE Study".
29. McRae, Mike (9 October 2014). "Science On the Edge of Life". Skeptic.com.

• Living people
• Alumni of the University of Southampton
• Near-death experiences
• English medical writers