People with this phobia may experience symptoms such as rapid breathing and an increased heart rate, engage in avoidance behavior by steering clear of cemeteries or underground spaces, and suffer from panic attacks.
In extreme cases, individuals with taphephobia might plan their funerals meticulously and request that items like oxygen tanks and air pipes be included in their coffins.
Besides taking extreme precautions, an alternative method to survive being buried alive has been suggested in a simulation by Zack D. Films.
The video suggests that if you’re buried while wearing a shirt, you should place the fabric over your nose and mouth to act as a ‘dust filter.’
Next, using ‘small controlled movements,’ punch a hole into the coffin.
As dirt pours in, you need to guide it towards the lower half of your body, allowing you to sit up.
While sitting up, continue directing the soil into the coffin until you can stand.
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Once you reach near the Earth’s surface, push through the ground to break free.
It’s crucial to understand that, despite any appearance of ease, the chances of surviving being buried in a coffin are quite low (apologies to taphephobes).
According to Popular Science, a healthy person might survive between ten to 60 minutes in a coffin, depending on oxygen availability.
So, if you manage to follow the simulation’s steps within that timeframe, you might just have a chance.
While accidental burying is unlikely, one man chose to experience it voluntarily for his 62nd birthday.
Víctor Amela wished to be laid to rest on the farm where he was born.
He was lowered into the ground, covered with soil, and later noted that he ‘enjoyed it immensely.’
The duration of Amela’s underground experience before being unearthed remains unknown.
Although Amela lived to recount his adventure, it’s certainly not advisable to replicate such an experience.