How to Kill a Human Being - in search of a painless death

From Google Video:

"Former Conservative MP Michael Portillo pushes his body to the brink of death in an investigation into the ... all ยป science of execution. As the American Supreme Court examines whether the lethal injection is causing prisoners to die in unnecessary pain, Michael sets out to find a solution which is fundamentally humane. Armed with startling new evidence, Michael considers a completely new approach. Will it be the answer? There is only one way to find out - to experience it himself."
Kreegathsays...

I can't help but think of the implications of such an easy and "humane" way of killing someone. Suicidal people for instance, wouldn't it be quite the incentive with a method that promises not only a painless passing, but also a brief moment of euphoria before the end?
On the other hand, rather this than having them jump in front of a train or throwing themselves from a building. Atleast this method saves society the gruesome job of cleaning up such a mess.
Has there been any research on how many suicidal people don't go through with it, percent-wise, due to the fear of a painful death and/or risk of screwing up?

omnistegansays...

It's interesting that you would mention that Kreegath, the same thought occured to me when I was watching. I think if I had a choice of dying in my fated way or dying from an altitude hypoxia, altitude hypoxia would be the clear winner.

Not long ago I was near suicidal, and I think if I had access and option to such a painless euphoric death, things may have turned out differently.

theaceofclubzsays...

nitrous oxide asphyxiation, if I get my choice, thats the way I'm going to go.

[EDIT: OK, I guess that seems a little morbid. All I mean is that I have no interest in being a wheelchair bound octogenarian wrestling with a bad hip and dementia. And considering all the different ways to check out, sailing out on a nitrous high doesn't sound to bad.]

NordlichReitersays...

There is no painless death.

The body does not ever want to give up living, simple as that.

If the judges and jury are so bent on putting people to death, even the most vile scum... they should have to kill that person with their bare hands. Or better yet, give them a chance to fight for their lives.

Why do judges pride themselves on putting people to death? Heh that's murder by proxy protected by the law.

All of those in favor of the death penalty are always in favor of it until it is used on them.

I am in favor of no death, but that is reality.

NordlichReitersays...

I have gone unconscious, and it is ... terrible.

You get very thirsty...
Gray started to come in the eyes...
cold sweat...
blood pressure drops...
breathing begins to fail...

I woke up with a female nurse on my gurney jumping up and down on my chest...

I said "Ive been here the whole time... what the hell are you doing to me."

She said "You were out for 1 minute, you are lucky.. we didn't defib you."

I never felt euphoric about any of it...

10677says...

"I have gone unconscious, and it is ... terrible.

I never felt euphoric about any of it..."


Sounds like you were suffering from a heart condition (Atrial fib?)
It's not the hypoxia itself that caused all of your associated symptoms and discomfort. Nitrogen induced hypoxia like those mentioned in the documentary would produce that euphoric state before unconciousness.

brycewi19says...

I suppose it really just does boil down to a values argument.

Whether or not painless death is what the state should aspire for in their executions, seeing that the argument is no longer whether or not painless death is possible.

Discuss...

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