The Mercitron

Dr. Jack Kevorkian used two methods to help people commit suicide:

INJECTION

Kevorkian built a device called the "mercitron" or "suicide machine". It has three canisters or bottles mounted on a metal frame, about six inches wide by 18 inches high. Each bottle has a syringe that connects to a single IV line in the person's arm. The first bottle contains ordinary saline, or salt water. Another contains sleep-inducing barbiturates, and the third a lethal mixture of potassium chloride, which immediately stops the heart, and a muscle relaxant to prevent spasms during the dying process.

1. Kevorkian or an assistant begins the saline solution flow.

2. The person who wants to die must deliver the barbiturates by throwing a switch or pulling a string.

3. After that, either a timer or a mechanical device triggered by the person's falling arm as the drugs take effect starts the lethal drug flowing. The idea is for the deadly chemicals to enter the bloodstream only after the person is asleep. Death usually occurs within two minutes.

CARBON MONOXIDE

Carbon monoxide graphic

1. A cylinder of the deadly gas is connected by a tube to a mask over the person's nose and mouth.

2. A valve must be released to start the gas flowing. Depending on the person's disablity, a makeshift handle may be attached to the valve to make it easier to turn. Or, with the valve in the "open" position, a clip or clothespin may be clamped on the tubing. Pulling it off allows the gas to flow.

By Kevorkian's estimates, this method may take 10 minutes or longer. Sometimes, he encourages people to take sedatives or muscle relaxants to keep them calm as they breathe deeply of the gas.

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