It was supposed to be just another ordinary day for Tina Hines and her husband, Brian. The couple had planned a scenic hike near their home in Phoenix, Arizona—something they had done many times before. Tina was in excellent shape, with no history of health issues, so there was no reason to suspect anything would go wrong. But in an instant, everything changed.

As they were about to embark on their outdoor adventure, Tina suddenly collapsed. Her body went limp, and she turned an alarming shade of purple. Brian, acting on pure instinct, rushed to her side and immediately began performing CPR. He pressed down on her chest with all his strength, desperately trying to revive her. For a brief moment, she regained consciousness—only to slip away again. Brian didn’t give up. He continued administering CPR until paramedics arrived.

But Tina’s ordeal was far from over.

Six Times to the Brink of Death

During the terrifying ambulance ride and the medical intervention that followed, Tina’s heart stopped not once, but six times. It was a grueling 27-minute battle between life and death. Each time her heart failed, medical personnel fought to bring her back. Against all odds, she survived.

When Tina finally woke up in the intensive care unit, intubated and unable to speak, she was overwhelmed with emotion. Though she couldn’t use her voice, she urgently gestured for a pen and paper. Her family watched in anticipation as she scribbled down two simple but profound words:

“It’s real.”

The message stunned those around her. But what exactly did she mean?

A Glimpse Beyond This World

Tina later explained that during the moments when her heart had stopped, she experienced something extraordinary. She described seeing brilliant, vivid colors and standing before a set of dark gates, illuminated by a radiant yellow light shining from behind them. In front of the gates, she saw a figure—a presence she firmly believes was Jesus.

Though she was physically incapable of speaking, she nodded in response to questions from her loved ones, confirming that what she saw felt completely real. Her vision left a lasting impression, not just on herself, but on those around her.

The Power of Immediate CPR

Tina’s survival is nothing short of a miracle, considering the grim statistics surrounding cardiac arrest. When a person experiences sudden cardiac arrest outside of a hospital, the chances of survival are alarmingly low. In fact, over 90% of such patients do not make it. However, if bystander CPR is performed immediately, the survival rate jumps from just 10% to an impressive 45%.

Brian’s quick thinking and relentless effort made all the difference. His CPR efforts bought Tina enough time for paramedics to arrive and give her the advanced medical care she needed. Unfortunately, studies show that women are far less likely than men to receive CPR from bystanders. This disparity highlights the importance of CPR training and awareness.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest: A Silent Threat

Tina’s case serves as a sobering reminder that sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone, even those with no prior health concerns. It is often caused by an unexpected electrical malfunction in the heart, stopping its ability to pump blood effectively. Unlike a typical heart attack caused by a blockage, sudden cardiac arrest occurs without warning.

Each year, approximately 356,000 people in the U.S. experience sudden cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting. Many do not survive. Stories like Tina’s reinforce the need for more awareness, faster response times, and widespread CPR training.

The Science Behind Near-Death Experiences

Tina’s story is not unique. Many people who have been revived after cardiac arrest report extraordinary near-death experiences (NDEs). While some describe sensations of floating, moving toward a bright light, or meeting loved ones who have passed, others recall seeing religious figures or glimpses of an afterlife.

Research on NDEs has gained traction in recent years. A 2013 study conducted by the University of Michigan examined brain activity in rats that were experiencing cardiac arrest. The researchers observed a sudden surge in brain activity just before death. This surge was described as a highly coordinated and intense burst—almost as if the brain was entering a hyper-conscious state.

Some scientists believe this spike in activity might explain the vivid and sometimes spiritual experiences reported by people like Tina. However, more research is needed to fully understand what happens in the brain when the heart stops beating.

A Message of Hope and Faith

Despite the ongoing scientific debate, Tina and her family have no doubts about what she experienced. To them, her handwritten message—“It’s real”—was clear. She believes she got a glimpse of paradise, and it has changed her life forever.

Whether one sees Tina’s story as a miracle, a scientific mystery, or a profound personal experience, it is undeniably powerful. It serves as a testament to the importance of CPR training, the unpredictability of life, and the enduring human search for meaning beyond death.

If nothing else, her story is a compelling reason to learn CPR—it could be the difference between life and death for someone you love.

This rewritten article preserves the original meaning while making it engaging for an American audience. Let me know if you’d like any adjustments! 😊