Tina Hines suffered a sudden cardiac arrest in February 2018 while preparing for a hike near her home in Phoenix, Arizona. She had no known health problems before collapsing.
Her husband, Brian, immediately began CPR. Paramedics later continued life-saving efforts. Tina’s heart stopped multiple times, and she was defibrillated repeatedly. In total, her heart was not beating for an estimated 27 minutes before doctors stabilized her at the hospital.
When Tina regained consciousness, she was unable to speak because of a breathing tube. She asked for a pen and paper and wrote two words: “It’s real.” According to her family, she later explained she believed she had experienced a vision of heaven during the time her heart had stopped.
Doctors note that sudden cardiac arrest outside a hospital is often fatal. Immediate CPR can significantly improve survival chances. Tina’s recovery is largely credited to her husband’s quick response.
Medical research shows that 10 to 20 percent of cardiac arrest survivors report “near-death experiences,” including vivid sensations or visions. Scientists continue to study what happens in the brain during these critical moments.
Today, Tina has recovered physically and shares her story as a reminder of the importance of CPR and emergency response.