CNN.com 5/5/05 HEALTH: "Miracle" firefighter received experimental drug treatment: In the past several years, his condition had sunk into a near persistent vegetative state, Ahmed said. When asked what he anticipates in Herbert's future, Ahmed said he expects Herbert to speak more, to walk, and TO EAT.
Ahmed is his attending physician who gave him the drug combination. I doubt that Joseph Fins has ever actually seen Mr. Herbert with his own eyes. Many articles refer to Herbert as sitting all day in his wheelchair in front of a TV that he is unable to see due to his blindness, drooling all over himself. (Doesn't seem like he could swallow food if he can't swallow saliva.) Perhaps what Fins is referring to is a feeding tube when he says "unable to eat without help."
I think it is apparent we have NOT read the same articles. Fins was never mentioned in any articles I read and most had a Buffalo byline. Also watched the press conference with his family, the MD, etc. If you need more info, you spend your time "googling" it.
And Ahmed was referring to "eating unassisted". Mr. Herbert did not have a feeding tube.