Then, we attached the scope—the cardioscope and there was a flip, this was probably artificial. Upon stopping the cardiac machine, there was no cardiac activity. That means the heart was standing still. We continued cardiac massage and still there was no cardiac activities, so the President was declared dead shortly thereafter.
Mr. Specter. At approximately what time was he declared dead?
Dr. Bashour. Well, according to my notes, we said here, "Declared dead about 12:55," or so.
Mr. Specter. Was that a precise time fixed or was that just a general approximation?
Dr. Bashour. No, sir; approximation.
Mr. Specter. When you refer to the "flip" what do you mean by that, Dr. Bashour?
Dr. Bashour. On the scope—some change in the baseline of the scope.
Mr. Specter. Did that indicate some activity in the President's heart?
Dr. Bashour. No, sir; not necessarily.
Mr. Specter. What else could have accounted for the flip besides that?