In Switzerland, a capsule resembling a coffin, designed for voluntary euthanasia, has passed all legal tests. This capsule, called Sarco, was created using a 3D printer. A person who decides to leave this world starts the voluntary euthanasia process themselves while inside the capsule, which is then filled with nitrogen gas, reducing the oxygen level from 21% to 1%. During this 30-second process, the person experiences confusion and some euphoria before losing consciousness and dying from oxygen deprivation. Importantly, the individual does not feel panic or choking.
According to the organization Exit International, a 3D-printed capsule designed for euthanasia can be legally operated in Switzerland. This extraordinary machine, developed by an Australian doctor, is named "Sarco." In 2020, approximately 1,300 individuals chose to end their lives voluntarily in Switzerland by utilizing the services of the two largest organizations specializing in assisted dying: Exit (unrelated to Exit International) and Dignitas. Currently, the method used for voluntary death involves consuming liquid pentobarbital sodium. After ingesting this substance, a person falls asleep within two to five minutes, eventually entering a deep coma followed by death shortly thereafter. In contrast, the Sarco capsule offers a different approach to a peaceful death, without the need for controlled substances.
Dr. Philip Nitschke, founder of Exit International registered in Australia, provided information about the Sarco capsule he developed, which resembles a coffin in shape, and its expected position in the realm of voluntary euthanasia in Switzerland. Nitschke explained that the Sarco device is a capsule made with 3D printing technology, allowing users wishing to die to operate it from the inside. This machine can be moved and placed in a location where the individual intends to end their life, which could be a quiet outdoor spot or in a building of one of the organizations that assist those wishing to die.
To operate the capsule, the person lies inside, which is very comfortable. They are then asked a number of questions, and after answering, they can press a button inside the capsule to activate the mechanism at their convenience. This detachable capsule is mounted on a 3D-printed base containing liquid nitrogen canisters, from which gas is released into the capsule, rapidly reducing the oxygen level from 25% to below 1%. This results in the person feeling a kind of fogginess and possibly some euphoria before losing consciousness. Death occurs as a result of oxygen deficiency and a subsequent drop in carbon dioxide levels in the blood. This process is not accompanied by feelings of panic or choking.
Nitschke added, "Last year, we sought advice from top experts regarding the legality of using Sarco in Switzerland for assisted suicide. The review is complete, and we are very pleased with the outcome, which found that we have not overlooked anything. Currently, there are no legal obstacles at all." He continued, "We currently have two prototype models of Sarco, and there is a third model being printed in the Netherlands. If everything goes well, the third machine should be ready for operation in Switzerland by 2022."
The first Sarco model is on display at a cemetery culture exhibition in Kassel, Germany, from September 2021 to February 2022. The second model, however, did not appear aesthetically pleasing enough and, for several other reasons, is not the best for use. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed some supplementary projects for Sarco, including the development of a camera allowing the person to communicate with individuals outside. Consent for the procedure must be documented, and that preparation has been commissioned, with the next step being its implementation.
Regarding his stated goal of de-medicalizing the dying process, Nitschke clarified: "Currently, euthanasia procedures must be supervised by a doctor or a group of doctors to prescribe pentobarbital sodium and ensure the mental capacity of the person. We, for our part, want to eliminate any form of psychological review from the process and allow individuals to control the method themselves." He added, "Our goal is to develop a system to assess a person's mental capacity through artificial intelligence. There are, of course, many doubts, especially from psychiatrists. But our original concept involves the individual taking an online test and receiving a code to access Sarco."
He stated, "We have spoken to various groups in Switzerland, including those we have already worked with in assisted suicide cases, to provide Sarco for use in the country. Our entry into Switzerland will be in collaboration with a local organization. Except for any unforeseen difficulties, we hope to use Sarco in Switzerland next year. It has been a very costly project so far, but we believe we are close to implementation now."
Many foreigners travel to Switzerland to end their lives with the help of specialized organizations, knowing that assisted suicide through those organizations is a legal option. According to Philip Nitschke, death occurs after losing consciousness in an environment where the oxygen level is less than 1%, typically after about 5 to 10 minutes.
