The common assumption is that the use of an Exit Bag (also sometimes called a ‘helium hood) causes death by \u2018suffocation.\u2019 This is NOT true!<\/p>\n
Suffocation occurs when a person cannot easily take a breath. Examples include tying a rope around the neck, or pushing a pillow into one\u2019s face.<\/p>\n
The act of mechanically blocking one\u2019s breathing is terrifying<\/em>, and people will struggle with the last of their strength to clear the obstruction. It is just awful.<\/p>\n In contrast, a plastic Exit Bag (or helium hood) can bring about a peaceful death by hypoxia; when a person breathes (freely) in an atmosphere where there is no oxygen. That is the environment is full of a gas such as nitrogen or helium as\u00a0 replacement.<\/p>\n Accidental hypoxic deaths are not uncommon.<\/p>\n One scenario is when there is a sudden drop in oxygen level that occurs when an aeroplane depressurizes at high altitude. This can lead to a rapid loss of consciousness and the death of all those on board. There is no helium or nitrogen in the plane, but neither is there any oxygen.<\/p>\n When the plane de-pressurizes, the passengers still breath easily but there is little oxygen in the inhaled air.<\/p>\n This lack of oxygen will cause a sudden drop in the dissolved oxygen in the blood reaching the brain. This will lead to loss of consciousness and death.<\/p>\n It is the same with an Exit Bag. A person will breathe easily as the bag expands and contracts with each breath. The bag is not next to, or touching the face or mouth.<\/p>\n This is why it is important not to confuse<\/em> a peaceful, hypoxic death with the grim, terrifying death that results from an obstruction to the airways.<\/p>\n