Upon waking, he claimed to be "thirsty and hungry," and was immediately rushed to the hospital for a comprehensive examination and treatment. The elderly man was found to have multiple illnesses. It was speculated that the lack of heartbeat and pulse was likely due to entering a state of "apparent death," a coma or shallow shock where the body's cells are in a state of deep lethargy.
In this condition, vital functions weaken, the complexion turns pale, limbs grow cold, and the body stiffens, resembling a corpse. The heartbeat and pulse become so faint they are difficult to detect. Without medical checks for respiration, pulse, blood pressure, and heartbeat, it is easy to be mistakenly declared dead.
Normally, a deceased person at home would be laid out for 3 to 7 days, a period which would typically rule out apparent death.
That was many years ago. Now, in 2022, such occurrences are virtually nonexistent. I thought, as the Penal Justice team and I had already left the office, and this case was reported directly to us, we had to handle it.
We arrived at Longxi Funeral Home. This place was different from before, seemingly larger. The family members were still present, arguing with the funeral home staff. I also saw a girl in a burial shroud standing among the family. She was likely the one who had "come back from the dead."
We approached the family. Seeing the police, a woman anxiously grabbed my arm and said, "Officer, what is all this? These people wanted to cremate my daughter!"
"Madam, you must be the victim's mother. In this situation, you should go to the hospital first."
"Yes, dear. The hospital declared her dead. These people were just doing their jobs. Who would have thought someone could come back to life after being pronounced dead? We'll go to the hospital first!"
"Exactly. Thank you, officer. We'll go find Dr. Liang and see if he made a mistake!"
"What? You said your daughter was also Dr. Liang's patient? That Dr. Liang?"
"Dr. Liang Chaobang from Jiahao Hospital!"
Damn it, him again? Mistakenly declaring death twice? This is unbelievable. I'm sure it's not a technical issue. It's likely intentional, but why?
I had the family follow me back to Jiahao Hospital, where Liang Chaobang was located. This time, I had a valid reason to question him about both incidents. The family was particularly agitated, especially the father of the deceased girl. Upon finding the doctor, he immediately grabbed him by the collar: "You quack! Do you know what just happened at the funeral home? You scoundrel, how can you be a doctor? If anything happens to my daughter, I'll make you pay with your blood! May you die a horrible death! You shameless, unscrupulous trash!"
"Sir, please calm down. I don't know you are the family of which patient, but in any case, impulse won't solve anything. Please tell me what's going on," the doctor said.
"What's going on? Go to hell! Our Ruzhu wasn't dead at all. She stirred and woke up before the cremation. Look!" Fang Ruzhu's father brought the girl in the burial shroud in front of Liang Chaobang.
She had already caused quite a stir when she was brought into the hospital. It was really thoughtless of them to bring their daughter dressed in a burial shroud. Couldn't they have changed her clothes?
At this moment, I walked over and took off my jacket, temporarily putting it on Fang Ruzhu to avoid further onlookers. Fang Ruzhu's father seemed to be from a rural background, his language coarse. However, as a father, seeing his daughter in such a situation, his anger was understandable. If He Xin were ever in such a predicament, wouldn't I react the same way?
Liang Chaobang was forced against the wall. It was clear he was no match for Fang Ruzhu's father and was easily subdued. I approached them and said, "Mr. Fang, please calm down. If you want to seek justice for your daughter, you must do so through legal channels. If you assault him now, you will be held legally responsible. You might end up hospitalized if you lose a fight, or in jail if you win!"
"Hmph!" Fang Ruzhu's father released Liang Chaobang, cursed a few times, and then said, "The officer mentioned you made another misjudgment last time. You're a dishonest doctor. How did you even get this job!"
"I didn't! Those were technical issues. We're so busy with work, sometimes mistakes happen. It's normal!"
"Dr. Liang, this is the age of instruments. A patient's condition is usually tested by machines. Theoretically, the margin of error should be minimal. Unless someone intentionally did this, it's unlikely to have symptoms of apparent death," I probed, looking at Liang Chaobang.
He shook his head and said, "Even with instruments, some people's physiological signs are different from ordinary people. You've heard of medical miracles, right? That's what they call those people!"
Liang Chaobang's explanation seemed plausible, but two of his recent female patients experiencing miracles simultaneously was a bit far-fetched. I pressed on: "Before Fang Ruzhu's incident, how did she seem?"
"Let me tell you, officer, Fang Ruzhu had terminal lung cancer. Before she died, her breathing was abnormal, and her heartbeat was also irregular. Fang Ruzhu had deep breaths, with the respiratory rate initially increasing, then gradually becoming shallower and slower. At the moment of death, Fang Ruzhu exhibited open-mouth, jaw-drop breathing until respiration ceased. Additionally, she had jaundice, intestinal obstruction, chest pain, chest tightness, cough, shortness of breath, and a large pleural effusion—all signs of a cancer patient nearing death. Coupled with the instrument readings of cardiac arrest and blood pressure reaching death indicators, with a pulse of zero, these are all signs of death. Even a layperson could deduce this. I'm just curious how Fang Ruzhu could come back to life under such circumstances. It must be a medical miracle."
"You think a mere 'medical miracle' can get you off the hook? Liang, do you think we're three-year-olds? We may not be highly educated, but we understand right from wrong and the law. You've made such a misjudgment, you're going to jail!" Fang Ruzhu's father said, then left with his wife and daughter.
Actually, I knew he probably wouldn't be able to do much to Dr. Liang. After all, the reports at the time were flawless. The court would certainly use the reports as a reference during the trial. Unless it was proven that Liang Chaobang falsified the reports, he couldn't be convicted.