Clinically dead woman wakes up

Debbie Biggles somehow managed to wake up after being declared clinically dead for 26 minutes.

"She had suffered a heart attack at work. A coworker then performed CPR to try and get her breathing again, but after arriving at the hospital a veteran ER doctor declared her clinically dead and actually came out and gave her family the grim news."

Now, there is a difference between being "clinically dead" and actually being pronounced dead.

A writer for Discovery says, a "clinical death is the point at which a person's heart stops beating. At that time, breathing and blood circulation stop." In contrast, a person is declared biologically dead when his or her brain cells die from a lack of oxygen.

Although Biggles' brain cells were still functioning, KPHO reports her doctors were sure she'd be in a vegetative state for the rest of her life.

Butthen she woke up.

Dr. Kurt Solem says, "I can only describe that, with her being neurologically intact, a miracle." He credits Biggles' co-workers with helping to save her life.

KPNX stopped by the dog grooming business where Biggles works to speak with Chelsea Loucks, the woman who performed CPR.

"I just did CPR on her until the ambulance came."

Loucks says she remembered CPR instructions she learned years ago.

"In my head, the whole thing I sang was "Stayin' Alive" by The Beegees because that was the beat that I learned in high school to go to."

"She's my angel. She saved me," a very grateful Biggles said.

Biggles will have a defibrillator implanted Friday. Because of what happened to Biggles, her employer plans to pay for all staff members to get certified in CPR.