Plastic Bag Suicide: Is It Possible?

Suicide by plastic bag suffocation is a method of suicide that has been reported but remains unusual. It is often combined with the assumption of CNS depressants to guarantee death. This method may be preferred by those older than 50 years due to the availability of plastic bags and the relative nonviolence of the death. The death is painless and rapid, occurring due to a cardio-inhibitory mechanism rather than hypoxia, resulting in poor or no signs of asphyxia at autopsy. This makes the cause and manner of death challenging for forensic pathologists to determine. Suicide kits containing nitrogen tanks and regulators are sold by euthanasia organisations, with proponents claiming that this method is reliable, rapid, and painless.

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Suicide bags are a quick, painless method of euthanasia

Suicide bags, also known as exit bags or hoods, are devices that consist of a large plastic bag with a drawcord that is used for self-administered or assisted suicide through inert gas asphyxiation. This method of euthanasia involves the use of an inert gas, such as helium or nitrogen, which is lighter or less dense than air. By breathing in the inert gas, carbon dioxide levels in the blood are reduced, preventing the panic, sense of suffocation, and struggling that typically precedes unconsciousness and death. This method has been described as "swift, highly lethal, reliable, rapid, and painless", with individuals becoming unconscious after their second breath and death occurring within about 10 minutes.

The use of suicide bags has been documented since the 1990s, with the method gaining popularity due to the spread of information on the internet, in print, and through videos. It is often chosen for its perceived ease, non-violence, and lack of externally visible marks or pathomorphological findings on the body. The availability of plastic bags and the relative anonymity of death by this method may also contribute to its appeal.

However, it is important to note that suicide bags can present challenges during forensic death investigations. The absence of physical signs of asphyxiation, such as petechiae, can make it difficult to determine the cause and manner of death, especially if the bag and gas canister are removed before the investigation. In some cases, toxicological analyses, scene examinations, and histological studies may be necessary to establish the cause of death.

While some individuals may view suicide bags as a means of achieving a quick and painless death, it is crucial to recognize the importance of seeking help and exploring alternative solutions during difficult times. Suicide is a permanent solution to temporary problems, and there are resources available to support individuals in crisis.

Forensic investigations find it challenging to diagnose death by plastic bag suffocation

Plastic bag suffocation, often combined with inert gas inhalation, is a common method in suicides. Forensic investigations find it challenging to diagnose death by plastic bag suffocation due to several reasons. Firstly, plastic bag suffocation can result in rapid loss of consciousness and cardiorespiratory arrest, leading to death very quickly. This rapid mechanism of death means that there may be poor or no visible signs of asphyxia at autopsy, making it difficult to determine the cause of death.

Secondly, the typical signs of asphyxia, such as petechial hemorrhages, facial congestion, oedema, and cyanosis, are not always present in cases of plastic bag suffocation. This absence of typical indicators can complicate the diagnostic process for forensic pathologists. Additionally, when the plastic bag is still in place at the time of death, further investigation is required to exclude other potential causes of death, adding to the complexity of the postmortem examination.

Moreover, forensic investigations of suicide by plastic bag suffocation face challenges due to nonspecific autopsy findings and scene manipulations. In some cases, the death scene may be altered, making it difficult to accurately determine the manner of death. The presence of other suicide methods, such as drug intake or the use of CNS depressants, can also complicate the diagnosis and require careful scene examination and toxicological analyses.

Another challenge arises when inert gases, such as helium, are involved in plastic bag suffocation. Helium is known for its rapid onset of hypoxia and painless nature, contributing to its increasing use for suicide. However, detecting inert gases postmortem can be difficult due to inconsistencies in sampling techniques and analytical methods, and the selection of appropriate matrices for analysis. The lack of standardized protocols for helium detection further complicates forensic investigations.

In summary, forensic investigations of death by plastic bag suffocation face several challenges, including rapid loss of consciousness, absence of typical asphyxia indicators, nonspecific autopsy findings and scene manipulations, the presence of other suicide methods, and difficulties in detecting inert gases. These complexities underscore the importance of comprehensive toxicological analyses, careful scene examinations, and collaborative efforts to address evolving suicide methods and enhance suicide prevention strategies.

Suicide by plastic bag is often combined with other methods

Suicide by plastic bag, also known as a suicide bag, exit bag, or hood, is a method of euthanasia that involves using a large plastic bag with a drawcord to induce inert gas asphyxiation. This method is often combined with other suicide methods to guarantee death, even if one method fails. This is known as a "planned complex suicide".

The use of a plastic bag for suicide can be combined with the inhalation of inert gases such as helium or nitrogen. In some cases, the bag is used in conjunction with self-poisoning or drug intake, such as a codeine overdose, or the inhalation of volatile compounds or pharmacological substances at poisoning dosages. This combination of methods can make the diagnosis of the cause and manner of death challenging for forensic pathologists.

Plastic bag suffocation is a form of smothering that can lead to a rapid death due to a cardio-inhibitory mechanism rather than strict hypoxia. This can result in poor or no signs of asphyxia being present at autopsy, making the determination of the cause of death difficult. The absence of indicators of suicide, such as signs of struggle, further complicates the postmortem examination.

The combination of plastic bag suffocation with other methods, such as drug intake, can be influenced by the intent to reduce physical suffering. The rapid onset of death and the absence of visible marks or pathomorphological findings on the body can make this method appealing to those seeking a painless and certain suicide method. However, it is important to note that the removal of the plastic bag and other auxiliary means before death investigation can obscure the true cause and manner of death.

Suicide guides using plastic bags have spread on the internet

Suicide by plastic bag suffocation is a method that has been spreading on the internet since the 2000s. This method is often described as simple and painless, and it is said to leave few, if any, signs of asphyxiation at autopsy, making the cause of death difficult to trace. The method typically involves using a plastic bag in conjunction with inert gas asphyxiation or drug intake.

The suicide bag, also known as an exit bag or hood, was first recorded in the 1990s and consists of a large plastic bag with a drawcord that is used to tighten the bag around the neck. The bag is usually filled with an inert gas, such as helium or nitrogen, which is lighter than air. This prevents the buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood, eliminating the panic and sense of suffocation that would typically accompany asphyxiation. The use of nitrogen is said to be preferred by those who do not want the cause of death established, as there is currently no test that can detect asphyxiation by nitrogen.

Guides for this method of suicide have spread on the internet through print, video, and online forums. One such guide is the book "Final Exit" by Derek Humphry, which describes a suicide bag as a large plastic bag with an adjustable velcro strip around the neck. Another guide is a film called "Doing it with Betty," in which an elderly woman demonstrates how to make a plastic exit bag. Dr. Philip Nitschke, also known as "Dr. Death," has also been known to hold lectures and workshops, as well as sell suicide kits, that promote the use of nitrogen and suicide bags. Nitschke recommends using a large oven bag that fits all head sizes and ensuring that the bag is comfortable to breathe in before losing consciousness.

Despite the spread of these guides, it is important to note that there are alternative resources available for those who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts or mental health challenges. Crisis response networks, such as the Crisis Response Network, provide 24/7 support and resources for individuals facing personal crises or struggling with their mental health.

People over 50 are more likely to use this method

Suicide by suffocation using a plastic bag is a method that is often chosen by people over 50 years old. This is due to the ease of access to plastic bags and the relatively peaceful nature of death by asphyxiation. In fact, a study in Ontario, Canada, found that most suicides by plastic bag suffocation occurred in people over 60 years of age, with older women making up a significant proportion of cases. Another study in Seattle, Washington, from 1984 to 1993 also found that this method was used more frequently by individuals older than 50 compared to other age groups.

The availability of plastic bags and the non-violent nature of death are not the only reasons why people over 50 might choose this method. The inconspicuous nature of plastic bags also makes it less likely that the method will be detected during a forensic death investigation, especially if the bag is removed after death. This may be a factor in the decision-making of individuals who are concerned about the manner of their death being discovered.

Additionally, plastic bag suffocation is often combined with other methods such as the inhalation of inert gases like helium or nitrogen, or the use of sedatives or other drugs. The combination of methods ensures death and also reduces the risk of struggling or panic before unconsciousness. The use of sedatives, in particular, can prevent nausea caused by high carbon dioxide concentrations in the blood, which may otherwise cause someone to stop the suicide attempt.

While plastic bag suffocation can be a rapid and relatively painless method of suicide, it is important to note that it can be challenging to diagnose during an autopsy. This is because the hypoxic/cardio-inhibitory mechanism of death is so rapid that there may be poor or no visible signs of asphyxia. As a result, the cause and manner of death can be difficult to determine, especially if the plastic bag is removed before the investigation.

Overall, while suicide by plastic bag suffocation may be chosen by people over 50 for various reasons, it is a dangerous and irreversible method that can have unpredictable outcomes. It is important to seek help and explore alternative solutions if you or someone you know is considering suicide.

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