Helium suicide, also known as death by helium or suicide by helium, is a method where an individual inhales helium gas to cause death. Helium is chosen as a method of suicide by some individuals because it is readily available, relatively inexpensive, and can induce unconsciousness and death without causing much discomfort or pain.
The study investigates cases of helium suicide, which have risen in Europe and the US due to their perceived rapidity and lack of pain. Traditional toxicology overlooks helium due to its colorless, odorless nature. Researchers aimed to verify if toxicological evidence could reliably confirm helium inhalation as cause of death (researchgate.net).
Following two helium suicides in New Zealand, Coroner Ian West in 2011 suggested that helium should be classified as a hazardous substance and that it should be diluted with oxygen. 12 Adulteration with air or oxygen would not affect the floating potential of balloons, but would render the mix unsuitable for self-termination. This possibility has been widely disseminated by suicide websites on ...
Background In Switzerland, right-to-die organisations assist their members with suicide by lethal drugs, usually barbiturates. One organisation, Dignitas, has experimented with oxygen deprivation as an alternative to sodium pentobarbital. Objective To analyse the process of assisted suicide by oxygen deprivation with helium and a common face mask and reservoir bag. Method This study examined ...
Assisted suicide by oxygen deprivation with helium at a Swiss right-to ...
Abstract and Figures Suicide by helium inhalation has become increasingly common in the last few decades in Europe and the US because it produces a quick and painless death. Inhaled-gas suicides ...