He saw God: A Painkiller Drug Overdose

Bradley Weafer, a 38-year old former social worker, received an overdose of ketamine, which is also used as an anesthetic, after undergoing back surgery in Vancouver, in Canada’s British Columbia.

He was supposed to get three milliliters an hour of the drug. Instead he got the whole 500-milliliter bag in five minutes. When the nurse went back to check on him after setting up an intravenous drip, she found him unresponsive and making jerky motions.

In court, Bradley recalled being sucked into black tunnels. It was hot and scary, he said, adding he saw his life flash before him, felt being born and placed in his mother's arms. He also said he saw God. He also testified he had suffered brain damage, and a psychiatrist and other witnesses supported his claim.

Now, six years later, the judge has ordered the health system to pay $63,000 in damages to Bradley for psychological trauma and damages.

Advice to patients on IV medications: Ask the nurse, or have your advocate ask the nurse, to verify and explain the pump settings for intravenous medications.

Read another overdose lawsuit story, or read CBC News’ source story.