Delay Death

This spell enables one person or creature to postpone death. If delay death is cast before the indicated creature or person reaches 0 hit points, he is able to fight, cast spells, communicate, and take all other normal actions until he reaches -10 hit points. However, from the time he reaches 0 hit points until he is reduced to -10 hit points, the affected person or creature makes all attack rolls and saving throws at a -2 penalty, and his movement rate is reduced by half.
When the subject reaches -10 hit points, he is dead and delay death is no longer in effect. Note that the spell has a limited duration; if the spell expires after the affected subject has reached 0 hit points but before he has been reduced to -10 hit points, the subject dies instantly. A deceased subject previously under the effect of delay death can be raised normally by Raise Dead and similar spells.

[Complete Wizard's handbook]

School: Enchantment/Charm, Necromancy
Level: 3
Rarity: Uncommon

Range: 30 yards
Components: V. S, M
Duration: 1 turn/ level
Casting Time: 1 round
Area of Effect: One creature
Saving Throw: None

Material Components:
a chip from a tombstone or a sliver of wood from a coffin