Declared dead, 'resurrected' after 30 minutes

Dead and resurrected in the space of half an hour. It happened to a 78-year-old man of Libyan origin who suffered two cardiac arrests and then, after being declared dead by emergency personnel, his heart started beating again.

The man was rescued Friday evening in the Marina Velca residential center in Tarquinia, on the Viterbo coast. The elderly man, of Libyan origin, after becoming seriously ill, was treated by emergency medical services, who attempted to revive him after two cardiac arrests in quick succession. Doctors ultimately declared him clinically dead. The Pegaso air ambulance, which had arrived in the meantime, was also sent back.

The incredible event occurred after nearly 30 minutes. The man, who had been left in the ambulance waiting for the hearse, suddenly opened his eyes and, after standing up, asked for his daughters. Doctors believe the "resurrection" was actually due to a very rare phenomenon known as "Lazarus Syndrome": a sudden return of vital functions, a spontaneous resuscitation. The elderly man is now hospitalized for checks. His condition is reportedly stable. The incident also involved the injury of a Carabinieri officer who had gone to the man's home during the rescue operation; he was attacked by the 78-year-old's dog during an attempt by the veterinary service to capture him and temporarily foster him. The officer is also now hospitalized.