Declared Dead, Then He Breathed

I pronounced a patient dead who was still alive. His monitor flatlined during my shift.

I called it. Covered his face. Told his wife. She collapsed in my arms sobbing.

Twenty minutes later a nurse went to prep the body. He gasped. His eyes opened.

I had to walk back into that waiting room and face her. She looked at me like I was either

a miracle worker or the devil. The hospital launched an investigation. My colleagues won't

make eye contact. Some say I'm a hero who gave her more time. Others whisper I'm

incompetent and should lose my license. His heart had stopped for eighteen minutes. Was I wrong to call

it or wrong to give up too soon. I still don't know.