Information for terminally ill or hopelessly physically ill, competent adults
‘Last Rights Publications’ in Canada went out of business some time ago, just after the 3rd edition of Final Exit was published. So ignore the information at the bottom of page 140 of my book about where to buy the helium hood kit. Instead, today a person may purchase the helium hood kit (not the tanks) for $60 USD from:
GLADD Group
3755 Avocado Blvd # 166
LA MESA CA 91941 USA
GLADD will not sell the kit to any person in the state of Georgia because of the hostile police climate there.
Supplying this equipment is not an ERGO project, but we have heard that they are reliable, with a fairly good turn-around time. Overseas price is the same = $60. Check, money order or cash. No internet or telephone orders.
Ideally, TWO 14.9 cu.ft tanks each for 30 party balloons are needed. The GLADD kits are made for use with two tanks. (Actually, simply 4-5 good gulps of pure helium are lethal — the 2nd tank is in case one happens to be empty.)
The tanks can be purchased from a toy store or a party store. Ask not for ‘helium’ but for a ‘party balloon kit’ (each of which contains one tank of helium.)
The same tanks are also advertised for sale on the internet by Target and at Party America. Put ‘party balloon kits’ into Google Search Box. (But much cheaper in toy stores, where you can use cash.) Nitrogen works just as lethally as helium if that is available.
The illustrated information information in the paperback or digital Final Exit book must be studied closely for successful self-deliverance. Final Exit paperback and eBook and Final Exit DVD video available through the ERGO Bookstore
–Derek Humphry, jnlst & author, Oregon 27 April 2009
How superior is purchasing one of these hood kits as opposed to using a oven bag along with a sweatband. If these bags are not constructed of easily available materials wouldn’t it be easy to track back to the company of origin and risk their prosecution?
The helium hood kits from the two groups are only superior in that they have the piping sewn in, and connect to two tanks.
The oven bag and sweatband are also quite adequate if done carefully.
Will two of the smaller helium tanks work? They are 8.9 cubic feet, as opposed to the 14.9 tanks?
Affirmative. Actually, a mere five good gulps of pure helium gas are fatal.
The excess is for safety in case of partially empty tank. (Indemity: I only recommend this method for terminally ill, or hopelessly ill, competent adults.)
Any size of tank which reliably supplies aboiut five gulps of PURE helium is effective.
Yes, they are effective. See answer above.
Is the purchase/sale of the helium hood kits illegal? Is there a well researched simple way to make them rather than purchasing them? It is awkward to just have an address of a business that distributes them without any contact information and without knowing the laws. Additionally, what about shipping charges? Does anybody have any recent experience ordering from this company? Any suggestions?
A person can chose to make their own helium hood kit by referring to the book ‘>Final Exit.’
Purchasing them from GLADD is not illegal. For instance, in the current Georgia Four criminal case, the hoods were obtained by the police this way, but no charges followed, except for the 4 alleged assisters. Kits are $60 from GLADD at 3755 Avocado Blvd, #166, La Mesa CA 91941 USA. No email or phone orders. Reliable. — Derek Humphry
Yes, a large tank will do if the smaller ones are not available.
All a terminal, competent adult wishing to die needs is four or five gulps of pure helium in an enclosed space.
I recently ordered a helium kit from the GLADD GROUP and am very pleased with the response. The kit arrived today, less than a week after it was ordered. The contents were well-packaged and undisturbed. Thanks for the reference.
Yes, the smaller tanks will work.
I think they are compatible, but you would have to test it.
GLADD Group will not sell helium hood kit to anyone from state of Georgia.
Are helium tanks still effective? I’ve heard that authorities may have a mix of oxygen placed in with the helium in the future due to the Georgia case. Does this mean we won’t be able to rely on this method going forward?
This false rumour about mixing oxygen into helium tanks keeps coming up. I think the opponents to choices in dying start the rumour so as to upset people’s plans. The manufacture of helium in disposable tanks is a multi-million dollar international business, so diluting it would be hugely expensive for them, and would also mean it could not be used for industrial purposes. Therefore the helium as sold today is effective for whatever purpose it is needed.
True, GLADD in California will no longer supply helium hood kits to any customer in Georgia (USA) because of the hostile attitude of that state’s law enforcement.
I live in London England. Where can I get a kit from here? Can I order from GLADD? Do they do overseas delivery to the UK?
I’m also concerned about the ability to purchase helium now that more publicity is coming in from the media. Then there’s Dr. Philip Nitschke having his conference where he will show how to do it.
How long does helium last if someone stores it safely?
Is nitrogen readily available and easy to purchase?
How to do it is outlined in the book ‘Final Exit’ and illustrated in the ‘Final Exit on DVD’
— both available at the ERGO Bookstore
This method has been widely publicized for 5-6 years.
Tanks should last several years if stored and not touched. Nitrogen is sold at equipment stores on most main drags. I’ve seen huge signs saying ‘Nitrogen’
Helium hood kits are $60 from GLADD at 3755 Avocado Blvd, #166, La Mesa CA 91941 USA. No email or phone orders. Reliable. Yes, they do overseas orders, same price.
The book advises to take “8 or 10″ betablockers before the procedure, but with different pill sizes, I am not sure what dose are we talking about? What amount do you recommend (in mg of metoprolol) and should it be taken just before the procedure or some time in advance? I’m asking because I’m worried that a large overdose of betablockers may cause severe discomfort if it hits before consciousness is lost from helium (or what if something does wrong and it’s necessary to start over, say, next day?). On the other hand, too little may be ineffective… For reference, the guide for metoprolol say max. therapeutical dose is 200mg/day. Can you help clear this up?
If by ‘the book’ you mean my ‘Final Exit,’ it says on page 154 that 4-5 betablockers could be taken. They are not absolutely essential to self-deliverance but are an aid by slowing down the heart beat. D H
I plan to refuse dialysis when it is offered. Looking for alternatives I began reading “Final Exit.” A counselor with Compassion and Choices disparaged “Final Exit” and the helium approach as ‘risky.’ The words ‘brain damage’ were repeated. I need positive input to get me through this terrible time, but it MOST CERTAINLY would defeat my purpose to become more of a burden to my family. What kind of risks are involved with the helium approach? If you like, I will direct the counselor to this website. I hope this is all a miscommunication, conflict just shreds what little hope I left.
Clearly the people at Compassion and Choices are the right ones to help you. They are a large, well-staffed and experienced organization.
For legal reasons, I cannot give advice on many questions that subscribers pose except for that information already contained in my book ‘Final Exit’ 3rd edition, and its 2009 Addendum, which are protected under the 1st Amendment right to free speech and subsequent court decisions on books.
Seven people in America are currently under arrest for alleged ‘assisted suicides’ and will face trials in 2010 in Georgia and Arizona. A detective pretending to be terminally ill was used as a decoy to entrap volunteers. Using data from seized computers, police and FBI across America are currently calling at the homes of people who wanted to be members of the ‘Final Exit Network’, a publicly-known, nonprofit, right-to-die group started in 2004.
The internet is being kept under close watch by law enforcement to find more victims to back up their dubious prosecutions in Georgia and Arizona. Thus this is a time to be extra cautious and discreet. At trial, the defendants will be rigorously defended.
This harassment is most likely a right-wing backlash to our movement’s law reform successes in Oregon, Washington and Montana. We shall proceed.
————Derek Humphry 8 June 09
I am the daughter of Janet Good, whom you visited in Farmington Hills. She chose to die on “Women’s Equality Day” in 1997. We still miss her greatly; she was a wonderful leader – both in Women’s Issues and in the Hemlock Society of Michigan. I was the secretary of that group when she first started it in Michigan. I have met you also, but it has been many years now, and you are the one to be remembered for all of your good work. I enjoyed my time helping my mother and “Doc”, and appreciate your ongoing work a great deal.
Thank You.
Could anyone tell me, please, if these kits are still available to purchase for overseas customers? I’m in the UK. Also – I’m not sure how to pay, how to arrange an international money order or cheque. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you.
Yes. They are available to overseas buyers. See further down the blog for full details.