The Adelaide Advertiser in Australia reported that a euthanasia method using a readily available gas was launched at a workshop in its city. More than 80 people – mostly elderly – gathered at Fullerton Community Centre as Dr Philip Nitschke outlined methods to enable a reliable and quick death.
This newspaper article stopped short of explaining anything more. (Australian censorship laws are strict.) The inert gas here will be either helium or nitrogen, in disposable tanks. This method of self-deliverance was developed by NuTech and has been used in America by several hundred people in the last seven years.
See ‘Final Exit’ 3rd edition and its Addendum.
The nozzle modifications details are in the ADDENDUM to ‘Final Exit’. Available from ERGO in print or digital formats at http://www.finalexit.org/ergo-store
A CPAP mask and head harness would be nicer than the bag. The bag could be smaller and just before the mask, you’d need a one way valve in the bag for an over flow dump from your tank. I just wouldn’t like to be looking at the world for the last time through a plastic bag.
Huge experience has shown that a face mask — as suggested by kitefrog — WILL NOT WORK. It always blows off or leaks. Only the plastic bag, fastened at the neck, delivers the pure helium needed for a fast exit. If plastic bags are objectionable, then don’t do it.
I have read on a site where someone tried this method, but then subconscious reflexes took over and he started grabbing at the bag
to tear it off. In all likelihood, do you think this is true? Have you ever heard of an attempt being made with this helium method failing?
I have questions about the nitrogen method. I have a pressure gauge and flow meter attached to the tank, but there is no way to decrease the pressure without losing the gas. Does anyone know how to lower the pressure without losing the gas.
what other gas regulator can i buy for a helium cylinder. cant get a helium one, so hopefully another type might be more readily available.
Derek Humphry answers: From our experience over ten years of the helium hood method, there is no need for any type of regulator.