For a normal person, after 3 minutes submurged in warm water (5-8 in cold) there will be so much brain damage that the patient will likely never have any meaningful quality of life. In this case, I would be willing to bet that
I'm guessing you have limited experience working with people whose lives were "saved" by modern medicne. There are many things worse than dying, and most of them involve not dying.
Well, I believe we are really talking about two different things. I know what you're saying and I don't disagree. Being kept alive as a carrot or being brought back from flatline, after nature has taken its course is certainly not something I'd be interested in.
I would argue (and my not so clearly made point) that many people that say they'd rather die than live with some major handicap would change their tune quickly when faced with the choice. (Not that we really get one) I have plenty of experience with that, and I can tell you each life is precious and has the potential to touch someone or have an impact on their environment. I'm sure you wouldn't disagree. One particular case was a buddy that woke after a 6 month coma. His wife and I spent everyday with him then watched as he learned to talk and walk again. Apparently, he didn't forget how to boink, they made a baby before he could walk.
I also remember a great quote from a close family friend. The guy fell off a roof and was paralyzed from the neck down. You can probably imagine some of the things a guy like that has to go thru and what a sudden change of lifestyle it would be. My Dad asked him how he goes on, he responded simply. "Life is sweet".
Speaking of which, the last year of my Dads life was akin to the conditions some might be speaking of here. I wouldn't wish those days on anybody, and we certainly never entertained any kind of miracles to prolong that condition. But that last year and the words whispered in my ear where irreplaceable, and I would bet he wouldn't of traded those very few moments to avoid the pain of that last year. Anyway, I'm sorry, a bit off topic, maybe telling too many stories to explain the point I didn't make very well in the first place.
As a commercial fisherman I refuse to watch that movie.
I was a long liner for a couple years before making the real money on a scallop boat. Longest I spent on a sword boat was 25 days and we were routinely 250 miles from land while fishing some of the spots mentioned in the movie. Was shooting the chit with the old salty skipper up in the wheel house one day and the conversation came around to what he'd do if we were going down out here. He pulled out a set of handcuffs he carried with him and told me I could have fun bobbing around to death. He would secure himself to the rail and get it done quick. I still get chills thinking about it since I knew he was serious. I guess I just cling to life and and am optimistic I'd find a way to live.