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A suicide bag, also known as an exit bag, is a device consisting of a large plastic bag with a drawcord used to commit suicide. It is usually used in conjunction with an inert gas like helium or nitrogen, which prevents the panic, sense of suffocation and struggling even when unconscious (the hypercapnic alarm response) caused by the deprivation of oxygen in the presence of carbon dioxide. It also makes the method of death difficult to trace if the bag and gas canister are removed before the death is reported.

History

First mentioned in Derek Humphry's book Final Exit in 1991, a suicide bag was described as a strong, clear plastic bag of dimensions 22 inches (560 mm) by 36 inches (910 mm), secured around the neck by "a small strap, which reaches around the neck and can be fastened with Velcro at either end, or strong ribbon, which goes around the neck with Velcro sewn into the ends, or even ties easily into a knot. Large rubber bands or panty hose firmly but not harshly around the neck will do. It does not have to be completely airtight."

By 2007, Canadian press reports indicated that the combination of a bag and inert gas was becoming the most popular method of suicide, but had not led to an increase in suicides.

In 2011, the Californian Gladd Group, makers of exit bags was raided by the FBI and their operations ceased.

Types

Hemlock Society

Over the years, customized "Exit Bags" have been made available. The Hemlock Society promoted the "Exit Bag" as a necessity: "Data from the Netherlands reveal that in 20% of self-deliverances involving lethal dosages of medications, individuals do not die quickly but linger in a coma for up to four days. This is why how-to guides such as Final Exit and Departing Drugs also recommend the use of plastic bags for self-deliverance."

The "Exit Bag" was described thus:

• Optional neck band for "turtleneck" fit
• Adjustable velcro strip for snug, but comfortable fit with sewn-in elastic and flannelette collar
• Extra large size to minimize discomforts of overheating and breathing difficulties

Different models of the "Exit Bag" were promoted in Hemlock publications. Hemlock newsletter articles promoted the helium and plastic bag method, saying that the gas "disperses easily and is difficult to trace in a corpse". Readers were assured that "a little twitching in the arms and legs" doesn't last long and should be expected. Dr Nitschke has stated that nitrogen is more physiological than helium and less likely to lead to body movements during dying.

Exit International

EXIT (Australia), also known as EXIT International, attempted to market a manufactured version of the bag in Australia in 2002. Up until that time, "exit bags" with adjustable collars and Velcro straps were sold on the Internet by Canadian right-to-die advocates (The Right to Die Society of Canada) to Australians. Canadians stopped shipping them when the Australian government indicated in 2001 that it planned to review their importation. The bags are known as "Aussie Bags".

DIY versions

A video entitled "Doing it with Betty: Making an Exit Bag" (also known as "Do it yourself with Betty") features in The Peaceful Pill Handbook. Produced by EXIT (Australia), it featured "Betty" (pseudonym), a retired Australian nurse, explaining in a folksy tone how to make a suicide bag using a simple method that included folding over the edge of a large oven bag, taping down the fold with micropore tape, threading a thin elastic drawstring through the fold via a hole cut into it, and attaching the ends of the drawstring to a flat-topped cord lock. The video was widely distributed on the Internet in the 2000s.

Suicide tent

In 2000, Dr. Philip Nitschke conceived the idea of a low-oxygen tent into which inert gases can be pumped. This would allow two people to die together, a "double exit," he said.

See also

• Euthanasia machine
• Final Exit

References

1. Schön CA, Ketterer T (2007). "Asphyxial suicide by inhalation of helium inside a plastic bag". Am J Forensic Med Pathol. 28 (4): 364–7. doi:10.1097/PAF.0b013e31815b4c69. PMID 18043029. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
2. Auwaerter V, Perdekamp MG, Kempf J, Schmidt U, Weinmann W, Pollak S (2007). "Toxicological analysis after asphyxial suicide with helium and a plastic bag". Forensic Sci. Int. 170 (2–3): 139–41. doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2007.03.027. PMID 17628370. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
3. Ogden RD, Wooten RH (2002). "Asphyxial suicide with helium and a plastic bag". Am J Forensic Med Pathol. 23 (3): 234–7. doi:10.1097/01.PAF.0000022963.33157.9B. PMID 12198347. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
4. Humphry, Derek (1991). Final Exit: the Practicalities of Self-Deliverance and Assisted Suicide for the Dying. New York: Delta Trade Paperback. ISBN 0385336535.
5. Humphry, Derek (2002). Final Exit: the Practicalities of Self-Deliverance and Assisted Suicide for the Dying (3rd edition). New York: Delta Trade Paperback. ISBN 9780385336536.
6. "Helium in an "exit bag" new choice for suicide". www.canada.com. Retrieved 2008-12-19.
7. Federal agents raid California suicide kit seller Yahoo News.
8. ^ "Patience and Plastic Bags", Rita Marker, The Human Life Review, Spring 2003
9. ^ Nitschke, Philip (2006). The Peaceful Pill Handbook. Exit International US Ltd. ISBN 9780978878818. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
10. ^ "Outrage over suicide bag giveaway – smh.com.au". www.smh.com.au. 2002-07-09. Retrieved 2008-12-19.
11. [http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/182/18/E815 CMAJ: Australian physician advises advance planning for final exit CMAJ (2010) 182(18):E815-E816
12. "Dr Death ignites right to die debate – Local News – News – General – Great Lakes Advocate". yourguide.com.au. Retrieved 2008-12-19.
13. "InternationalTaskForce.org – Update – 2000, Number 2". www.internationaltaskforce.org. Retrieved 2008-12-19.

• Bags
• Euthanasia
• Suicide methods