Suicidal asphyxiation by using pure helium gas: case report, review, and discussion of the influence of the internet

Am J Forensic Med Pathol. 2003 Dec;24(4):361-3. doi: 10.1097/01.paf.0000097856.31249.ac.

Abstract

Suffocation by inhaled gases has been reported involving a variety of gases. We report a case of suicidal asphyxiation by forced replacement of oxygen with helium by using a complex homemade mask. In this case, a young woman researched suicide on the Internet and found an advocated method of suicide using helium. To our knowledge, there is only 1 previously reported case of suicidal asphyxia by using helium.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Asphyxia / pathology*
  • Female
  • Helium / poisoning*
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Masks
  • Methods
  • Suicide*

Substances

  • Helium