Featured Image Credit: JASPER JUINEN / Contributor / Getty / Exit International
Warning: This article mentions topics of suicide and euthanasia.
Dr. Philip Nitschke claimed the nickname 'Dr Death' for his seriously morbid invention. Now, he's shared his intentions with the machine.
As an Australian euthanasia advocate, Nitschke has frequently made headlines for his work in self-assisted dying.
His most astounding work is the Sarco Pod which is essentially a suicide capsule.
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The company behind the work, Exit International (founded by Nitschke) said it is a capsule that can 'produce a rapid decrease in oxygen level, while maintaining a low CO2 level, (the conditions for a peaceful, even euphoric death)'.
The pods cost between $4,000 (£3,100) and $8,000 (£6,200) and are in the final stages of being prepared for use in Switzerland - where assisted dying is legal within certain criteria.
The new Swiss euthanasia organisation, The Last Resort, recently showcased the Sarco Pod at a press conference in Zurich to create 'clarity' and dispel any 'misinformation.'
In the same conference, Dr. Nitschke hinted at his intentions with the 3D-printed pod.
Florian Willet, former spokesman for the euthanasia organisation Dignitas Germany, spoke on Nitschke's behalf to inform that he plans to use the pod on himself one day.
Willet hints that he would one day use the Sarco 'instead of living through his last days in a miserable state while seriously ill.' His own father also ended his life voluntarily with assistance.
'The Sarco will be used,' Willet promised.
Reportedly, the creator could not imagine a more beautiful death than to leave Earth painlessly in the Sarco, 'almost euphorically.'
The Last Resort assured that you don't have to be a member to use the pod. Membership is entirely voluntary and at the discretion of the person wishing to die.
Ultimately, it's up to the users to decide how they want to end their lives. There is currently no collaboration with other euthanasia organisations in Switzerland.
Nitschke previously explained that those wishing to use the Sarco must answer a series of questions before being considered. This is to check whether the person is of sound mind and knows what they are doing.
Once confirmed, the team press a button that rapidly increases the nitrogen content inside the capsule, leading to euphoria, unconsciousness, and then death - relatively quickly.
'Once the button is pressed, there is no way back,' said Dr. Nitschke.
In theory, it would still be possible to get out of the capsule, but given the instant effect, there would be very little time for that.
