Happiness Felt, Sudden Death... 'Euthanasia Capsule' First Use Imminent in Switzerland

Oxygen Levels Inside Capsule Drop Sharply Within 30 Seconds of Button Press
Debate Continues in Switzerland Over Euthanasia Permission

The 'euthanasia capsule,' which allows a painless death within seconds at the push of a button, is expected to be used for the first time in Switzerland.

On the 17th (local time), AFP and other foreign media reported that the euthanasia nonprofit organization 'The Last Resort' anticipates that the euthanasia capsule 'Sarco' will be available for use within a few months.

The 'Sarco,' first unveiled in 2019, replaces the oxygen inside with nitrogen, causing death due to hypoxia.
[Photo by AFP·Yonhap News]

First unveiled in 2019, 'Sarco' replaces the oxygen inside with nitrogen, causing death by hypoxia. The organization stated, "Since assisted suicide is permitted in Switzerland, there are no legal obstacles." Switzerland allows not only dignified death, which means the cessation of life-sustaining treatment, but also physician-assisted suicide (euthanasia), where medication is administered to terminally ill patients to cause death.

Those wishing to die must first undergo a mental capacity evaluation by a doctor, which is a key legal requirement. Then, after entering the purple capsule and closing the lid, they are asked questions to confirm if they know who they are, where they are, and what will happen if they press the button. Afterwards, a voice plays saying, "If you want to die, press this button." Once the button is pressed, the oxygen level in the air rapidly drops from 21% to 0.05% within 30 seconds.

Philip Nitschke, the inventor of Sarco, said, "Breathing such a low level of oxygen twice causes a loss of sense of direction and coordination before losing consciousness, and a slight feeling of happiness begins," adding, "The unconscious state lasts for about 5 minutes before leading to death."
[Photo by Reuters·Yonhap News]

Philip Nitschke, the inventor of Sarco, explained, "Breathing such a low level of oxygen twice causes loss of orientation and coordination before losing consciousness, and a slight feeling of happiness begins." He added, "The unconscious state lasts about five minutes before death occurs." However, once the button is pressed, death cannot be prevented. Currently, Sarco can only be used by people who are 173 cm or shorter. The development team is exploring the creation of a double Sarco so that couples can end their lives together. The Last Resort stated that Sarco will never be allowed to be used for executions.

Previously, the use of the euthanasia capsule sparked debate over assisted suicide even in Switzerland. As a result, some cantons banned the use of Sarco, while others took a reserved stance. Therefore, the identity of the first user of Sarco, as well as when and where it will be used, has not yet been decided. Details will not be disclosed until euthanasia is carried out.