Dead man wakes up under autopsy knife

  • Thread starter Ivan Seeking
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In summary, a Venezuelan man was declared dead and began an autopsy, but woke up in the morgue in pain. Some people were skeptical and joked about zombies, but it was confirmed that the man was indeed alive. This incident adds a new perspective to a joke about a lawyer and a doctor during a trial.
  • #1
Ivan Seeking
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"Dead" man wakes up under autopsy knife

CARACAS (Reuters) - A Venezuelan man who had been declared dead woke up in the morgue in excruciating pain after medical examiners began their autopsy. [continued]
http://africa.reuters.com/odd/news/usnN1499758.html
 
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  • #2
Ivan Seeking said:
http://africa.reuters.com/odd/news/usnN1499758.html


I'm sceptical, how do they KNOW he's alive and not just a zombie?
 
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  • #3
jcsd said:
I'm sceptical, how do they KNOW he's alive and not just a zombie?

No chickens mentioned in the report; therefore, no zombies. You can't have one without the other.
 
  • #4
He's been watching too much Heroes.
 
  • #5
Danger said:
No chickens mentioned in the report; therefore, no zombies. You can't have one without the other.

Chickens? I didn't know zombies go for chicken flesh, too.
 
  • #6
Adds a whole new perspective to this exchange between a lawyer and a doctor during a trial:

Q: "Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?"
A: "No."
Q: "Did you check for blood pressure?"
A: "No."
Q: "Did you check for breathing?"
A: "No."
Q: "So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?"
A: "No."
Q: "How can you be so sure, Doctor?"
A: "Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar."
Q: "But could the patient have still been alive nevertheless?"
A: "It is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law somewhere."
 

1. How is it possible for a dead man to wake up during an autopsy?

There are several possible explanations for this phenomenon. One possibility is that the person was not actually dead, but in a comatose state or had a very weak pulse that was undetected. Another possibility is that the person experienced a condition known as Lazarus syndrome, where the heart spontaneously restarts after resuscitation efforts have failed. It is also possible that the person was in a state of suspended animation due to extreme cold or other factors.

2. What are the risks and consequences of a person waking up during an autopsy?

The risks and consequences vary depending on the specific situation. In some cases, the person may suffer further injury due to the autopsy procedure being performed. There is also a risk of psychological trauma for both the person and the medical professionals involved. Additionally, the results of the autopsy may be compromised if the person wakes up and moves during the procedure.

3. Have there been any documented cases of a person waking up during an autopsy?

Yes, there have been several documented cases of a person waking up during an autopsy. One notable case is that of Walter Williams, who was declared dead in 2014 and woke up on the embalming table. He lived for another two years before passing away from heart failure. Another case is that of a 91-year-old woman who was declared dead and woke up during her own funeral.

4. How can medical professionals prevent a person from waking up during an autopsy?

There is no foolproof method to prevent a person from waking up during an autopsy, but there are some precautions that can be taken. First, it is important to ensure that the person is actually deceased before beginning the autopsy procedure. Medical professionals should also be aware of the signs of Lazarus syndrome and be prepared to respond appropriately if the person shows any signs of life. Additionally, using sedatives and muscle relaxants during the procedure may help prevent the person from waking up.

5. What ethical considerations should be taken into account when a person wakes up during an autopsy?

There are several ethical considerations that should be taken into account in this situation. First and foremost, the well-being and rights of the person who wakes up should be the top priority. This may include stopping the autopsy procedure and providing medical treatment if necessary. Additionally, the family of the person should be notified and their wishes should be respected. The medical professionals involved should also consider the impact on their own well-being and seek support if needed.

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