Suicidal Asphyxiation by Helium Intoxication and Plastic Bag Suffocation

Course Authors:
Lisa B.E. Shields, MD
Medical Research Associate, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, University of Louisville School of Medicine

Jack Arnold
Deputy Coroner, Jefferson County Coroner’s Office

Donna Stewart, MD
Deputy Kentucky Medical Examiner, Assistant Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky

Upon completion of this activity, you will be able to:

• categorize asphyxial deaths.
• explain the goals of the book Final Exit: The Practicalities of Self-Deliverance and Assisted Suicide for the Dying by Derek Humphry.
• describe the process of suicidal asphyxiation by plastic bags using helium gas.
• identify the determining factors in a suicidal manner of death.
• describe a means for collecting specimens at autopsy for analysis for volatile gases such as helium.

The ASCP is accredited by the ACCME to provide CME for physicians. The ASCP designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1 of AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.