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Suicidal asphyxiation by using helium - two case reports.

A Smędra1, S Szustowski, A P Jurczyk

  • 1Anna Smędra, Chair and Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Sędziowska 18 A 91-304 Lodz, Poland,

Archiwum Medycyny Sadowej I Kryminologii
|May 27, 2015
PubMed
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Helium asphyxiation can be fatal due to oxygen deprivation, posing a silent suffocation risk. This study examines helium suicides using "suicide bags," highlighting the importance of scene investigation when autopsy is inconclusive.

Area of Science:

  • Forensic Pathology
  • Toxicology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Inert gases like helium can cause fatal physical asphyxiation by reducing oxygen partial pressure.
  • Subjects may not perceive suffocation warning signs when breathing inert gas-oxygen mixtures.
  • Availability and perceived ease of use have led to inert gas use in suicides.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report cases of suicide involving helium and a "suicide bag" device.
  • To emphasize the diagnostic challenges in helium-induced asphyxiation deaths.
  • To highlight the importance of scene investigation in such cases.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of two suicides involving helium and a "suicide bag".
  • Examination of death scenes and collected materials.

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  • Review of autopsy findings and their limitations in determining cause of death.

    • Main Results:

    • Both cases involved individuals who searched online for suicide methods using helium.
    • Autopsies were inconclusive due to advanced putrefaction.
    • Circumstantial evidence strongly suggested rapid asphyxiation from oxygen deficiency.

    Conclusions:

    • Helium asphyxiation is a potentially undetectable cause of death via autopsy.
    • Internet searches indicate a trend in suicide methods.
    • Thorough death scene investigation is crucial for determining cause of death in suspected helium asphyxiation.