Cold Case Files: "I SURVIVED: I'm Dying Today, This Is My Last Day on Earth"

Episode Release Date: April 12, 2025
Hosted by: Paula Barros
Description: In this gripping episode of Cold Case Files, host Paula Barros delves into two harrowing survival stories that teetered on the brink of death. Through firsthand accounts and expert insights, the episode explores the resilience of the human spirit and the thin line between life and death.

Deb's Near-Death Experience: A Battle Through Childbirth

Timestamp: [02:07] – [16:10]

Deb, a 42-year-old safety and health professional from San Juan Capistrano, California, shares her terrifying experience of nearly losing her life during the birth of her second child. Despite everything appearing to proceed normally during her C-section, Deb had an inexplicable "sixth sense" that something was amiss.

Key Events:

• Pre-Delivery Anxiety: Deb was confident about her career and family goals, yet an intuition nagged at her that something was wrong as she entered the hospital for her C-section ([03:12]).

• Emergency in the Recovery Room: Moments after giving birth, Deb felt an overwhelming sense of suffocation. As she pleaded for help, her husband Andy and Dr. Vivian Ellis, her obstetrician, struggled to revive her using CPR ([04:07] - [05:58]).

• Dr. Vivian Ellis' Intervention: Dr. Ellis describes the critical moment when Deb suffered from an amniotic fluid embolism, a rare and often fatal complication of childbirth. She recounts performing CPR in a desperate attempt to save Deb's life ([05:17] - [06:08]).

Deb's Near-Death Experience:

• Vision of Peace: Deb describes being in a serene place, sitting on a staircase overlooking rolling hills and lush greenery, surrounded by unfamiliar dogs and cats that guided her toward a radiant light ([06:53] - [09:35]).

• Return to Reality: As CPR efforts continued, Deb felt a transition from tranquility to chaos, realizing her imminent death. She mentally reached out to stay alive for her family, leading to her miraculous revival when Dr. Ellis successfully restored her heartbeat ([10:12] - [12:08]).

Aftermath and Reflections:

• Reconnection with Family: Deb recounts waking up in the ICU, reunited with her husband and baby daughter, Bryce, symbolizing a second chance at life ([12:12] - [14:26]).

• Enduring Impact: Deb reflects on how this experience reshaped her perspective on life and death, emphasizing the importance of cherishing loved ones and finding hope beyond fear ([14:55] - [16:10]).

Notable Quotes:

• Deb: “Time stands still. There is no concept of time in this place. It doesn't exist.” ([08:15])
• Dr. Vivian Ellis: “It might be likened to an anaphylactic reaction where there's a total close down of all systems.” ([06:08])

Steve's Horrifying Ordeal: Surviving a Violent Attack

Timestamp: [18:07] – [42:34]

Steve's story is one of unexpected violence and a prolonged struggle between life and death. Living in Homer City, Pennsylvania, Steve recounts the night he was brutally attacked by his older brother, who suffers from paranoid schizophrenia.

Key Events:

• The Attack: On a fateful Friday the 13th in July 1994, Steve was ambushed in his home by his brother wielding an 18-inch double-edged knife. Despite his attempts to defend himself, Steve was stabbed in the chest, leading to severe blood loss ([32:04] - [35:03]).

• Medical Response: Emergency physician Dr. Scott Magley details the immediate medical response, highlighting the critical "golden hour" where swift intervention was vital to Steve's survival. Steve underwent intense surgery, including sternotomy and blood transfusions ([20:22] - [26:19]).

Steve's Near-Death Experience:

• Encounter with Darkness and Light: As Steve lay unconscious during surgery, he experienced a profound out-of-body sensation. He describes being enveloped in darkness, feeling unconditional love, and witnessing a radiant light that beckoned him ([36:58] - [38:45]).

• Return to Life: Miraculously, surgical teams managed to repair his severed artery and revive him. However, Steve's return was abrupt and jarring, leaving him conflicted between the serene afterlife he envisioned and the harsh reality of his injured body ([38:45] - [40:44]).

Aftermath and Reflections:

• Recovery and Personal Growth: After two weeks in the hospital and six months of recuperation, Steve emerged with a transformed outlook on life. He became more extroverted, embraced love more deeply, and noted peculiar phenomena around him, such as electrical devices malfunctioning in his presence ([40:23] - [42:33]).

• Emotional Reconciliation: Despite the trauma inflicted by his brother, Steve expressed compassion, understanding that his brother's actions were a manifestation of his mental illness. This empathy furthered Steve's personal evolution towards love and acceptance ([40:49] - [42:33]).

Notable Quotes:

• Steve: “I never really realized at that point that I was dead. I just felt like I was home.” ([37:31])
• Steve: “I think that if this experience wouldn't have happened to me, I probably would still be in Homer City. It probably would have just gotten me married, had kids, and did what I thought I was supposed to do.” ([29:12])

Expert Insights: Dr. Vivian Ellis and Dr. Scott Magley

Throughout the episode, medical professionals provide critical insights into Deb's and Steve's near-death experiences:

• Dr. Vivian Ellis explains the medical intricacies of an amniotic fluid embolism, emphasizing its rarity and high mortality rate, and reflects on the potential spiritual dimensions beyond scientific understanding ([06:08] - [14:26]).

• Dr. Scott Magley discusses the severity of Steve's injuries, the challenges faced during surgery, and the significance of the golden hour in trauma care. He also shares observations on Steve's critical condition and the miraculous nature of his revival ([20:26] - [26:50]).

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Vivian Ellis: “There is no concept of time in this place. It doesn't exist.” ([08:15])
• Dr. Scott Magley: “This world that we live in, this game that we play called life is almost a phantom in comparison to the reality of Stream all the movies and shows you love for free on Pluto tv.” ([41:49]) (Note: This appears to be an advertisement overlap and may be disregarded in the context of episode content.)

Conclusions and Themes

The episode beautifully intertwines Deb's and Steve's survival stories, highlighting:

• The Fragility of Life: Both narratives underscore how abruptly life can change and the delicate balance between existence and demise.

• Resilience and Hope: Despite facing death, both Deb and Steve emerged with strengthened spirits and a renewed appreciation for life and loved ones.

• Spiritual Dimensions: The near-death experiences depicted suggest that there may be forces beyond our understanding, blending medical phenomena with spiritual interpretations.

• Personal Transformation: Traumatic events can lead to profound personal growth, altering one's outlook and priorities.

Final Thoughts

In "I SURVIVED: I'm Dying Today, This Is My Last Day on Earth," Cold Case Files masterfully narrates two powerful survival stories that not only captivate but also inspire listeners to reflect on their own lives and the unseen forces that guide them. Paula Barros' empathetic hosting and the detailed accounts from Deb and Steve, enriched by expert medical insights, make this episode a compelling exploration of life, death, and everything in between.

Notable Quotes Summary:

• Deb: “Time stands still. There is no concept of time in this place. It doesn't exist.” ([08:15])

• Dr. Vivian Ellis: “There certainly was a sense of joy and happiness in the room. It was all just talking about the baby, the baby's future, Deb's family.” ([03:44])

• Steve: “I never really realized at that point that I was dead. I just felt like I was home.” ([37:31])

• Dr. Scott Magley: “This world that we live in, this game that we play called life is almost a phantom in comparison to the reality of Stream all the movies and shows you love for free on Pluto tv.” ([41:49]) (Potential ad content overlap)

By presenting these intense personal stories alongside professional insights, the episode serves as a poignant reminder of life's unpredictability and the enduring human capacity to overcome unimaginable challenges.