My experience with charcoal/carbon monoxide.

[Phinphr]

I'd like to start by saying that I believe this method to be perfectly viable and cheap and easy to use. I thought I'd preface that because I've failed twice! I'll explain why later.

Provided you have access to a small, poorly vented space and about £50, I think this can be a much less daunting experience than say, hanging or jumping. There's a fair amount of prep required but I think that's true of any method available. You'll want to get your hands on a few things:

- chimney starter
- charcoal briquettes
- long/cooks matches
- steel bucket or similar item (to transfer coals)
- alcohol, benzodiazepines, sleeping pills (optional)

That's the basic shopping list.

There are plenty of in depth guides to this method online so I won't go into all the details. I thought I could provide some insight into what the process is like though (how it feels etc, why I failed etc.)

So, attempt number 1: This was the most peaceful of the two because I was drunk! I basically passed out in the back of my van after taking rum, diazapam and OTC sleeping pills. Unfortunately, because I was drunk, I phoned my best mate and was found about 45 minutes into the attempt. I woke up in hospital. Then I had to jump through the hoops of the British mental health system (I wasn't sectioned). I also received burns of my right arm and back. I can't under estimate the heat involved with this first attempt. It was in June and it had been 25-30 degrees for the preceding days. During the attempt I felt no pain, discomfort or stress at all.

Attempt number 2: After the heat and the phone call of the first attempt I waited until it was colder out and I decided to do it sober (so as not to drunk dial anyone). This time, the heat was actually pleasant and I made sure to wear jeans and a jacket so no risk of burns (wasn't an issue anyway). I still used diazapam and sleeping pills but this time was a lot different. I don't want to scare anyone but the truth is, is that this one wasn't nice. After about 20 minutes in my van I felt a throbbing in my ears which got more intense. Then I passed out. After about an hour or so I woke up with a terrible headache and some really funky coordination. I got out, cleaned everything up and went to bed. The best way to describe the feeling is a REALLY brutal hangover. Nausa, migraine, pain behind the eyes.

I'm going to try again but the things I have learned are that primarily, this is not (for me at least) a summer method. Most importantly though is that you want to pass out with this one, maybe people out there are tougher than me but I couldn't handle the discomfort of carbon monoxide poisoning whilst conscious. I'd highly recommend that you do all the prep required etc. and then get into your enclosed space, get drunk and take some benzo's. Considering what was said in hospital after my first attempt, I believe that if it wasn't for my drunken phone call I would have caught the bus completely obliviously.

I appreciate anyone taking the time to read this and I'd welcome any tips or questions. Cheers!

 

[GreyMonkey]

Why didn't you die on the second attempt?

 

[Phinphr]

Why didn't you die on the second attempt?

Good question :L I think it was just survival instinct. Because I wasn't black out drunk, the discomfort caused me to wake up and I didn't like it. Basically, I just wanna go out peacefully and the feeling I had wasn't that. So I got out. For next time, the plan is to get drunk/benzo'd etc. but I'm gonna delete all my contacts to reduce the risk of calling anyone. I wouldn't even take my phone in but I want to listen to music as I go.

The first time I felt zero negative side effects aside from some confusion.

 

[DepressionsAHo]

Instead of benzos, do you think opiates would work?

 

[Phinphr]

Honestly I don't know firsthand, I've never tried them. Anything that allows you to pass out for a few hours would be fine. It seems that you just need the time for your carboxyhaemoglobin levels to get high enough without suffering the side effects of CO poisoning.

 

[Cleopatra123]

I'd like to start by saying that I believe this method to be perfectly viable and cheap and easy to use. I thought I'd preface that because I've failed twice! I'll explain why later.

Provided you have access to a small, poorly vented space and about £50, I think this can be a much less daunting experience than say, hanging or jumping. There's a fair amount of prep required but I think that's true of any method available. You'll want to get your hands on a few things:

- chimney starter
- charcoal briquettes
- long/cooks matches
- steel bucket or similar item (to transfer coals)
- alcohol, benzodiazepines, sleeping pills (optional)

That's the basic shopping list.

There are plenty of in depth guides to this method online so I won't go into all the details. I thought I could provide some insight into what the process is like though (how it feels etc, why I failed etc.)

So, attempt number 1: This was the most peaceful of the two because I was drunk! I basically passed out in the back of my van after taking rum, diazapam and OTC sleeping pills. Unfortunately, because I was drunk, I phoned my best mate and was found about 45 minutes into the attempt. I woke up in hospital. Then I had to jump through the hoops of the British mental health system (I wasn't sectioned). I also received burns of my right arm and back. I can't under estimate the heat involved with this first attempt. It was in June and it had been 25-30 degrees for the preceding days. During the attempt I felt no pain, discomfort or stress at all.

Attempt number 2: After the heat and the phone call of the first attempt I waited until it was colder out and I decided to do it sober (so as not to drunk dial anyone). This time, the heat was actually pleasant and I made sure to wear jeans and a jacket so no risk of burns (wasn't an issue anyway). I still used diazapam and sleeping pills but this time was a lot different. I don't want to scare anyone but the truth is, is that this one wasn't nice. After about 20 minutes in my van I felt a throbbing in my ears which got more intense. Then I passed out. After about an hour or so I woke up with a terrible headache and some really funky coordination. I got out, cleaned everything up and went to bed. The best way to describe the feeling is a REALLY brutal hangover. Nausa, migraine, pain behind the eyes.

I'm going to try again but the things I have learned are that primarily, this is not (for me at least) a summer method. Most importantly though is that you want to pass out with this one, maybe people out there are tougher than me but I couldn't handle the discomfort of carbon monoxide poisoning whilst conscious. I'd highly recommend that you do all the prep required etc. and then get into your enclosed space, get drunk and take some benzo's. Considering what was said in hospital after my first attempt, I believe that if it wasn't for my drunken phone call I would have caught the bus completely obliviously.

I appreciate anyone taking the time to read this and I'd welcome any tips or questions. Cheers!

Your information is very valuable, thank you. I have a question about what you said about heat. I'd never read of anyone being burned before. Were you in a tent, or car. I have a problem with mobility, no car, and the getting of everything ready due to illness. However, I have a 5x6 foot walk in closet in my large bedroom. The closet has a high ceiling as it connects to cathedral ceiling. There is a narrow particle board dresser, and a wooden shelf next to each other about 6'high. I thought, I would have to remove all the clothing, and things of materials, like blankets in plastic holders on a shelf all around; I should probably remove those items as well. The items on the floor are mostly metal, a large glass window, and the floor is carpeted. No windows. I thought to light the bricks well into the night when all was asleep; a little concerned that a neighbor may see the smoke, but then bring it in: I have benzos and diphendrate I use for a sleep disorder, I could triple the dose and should be out cold. Now I am worried that the little room is so closed, and warm that the carpet or I might catch on fire. LOL, not my dream exit. Of course, I don't want to set the house on fire. Anyone have any suggestions. Thanks all.

 

[Phinphr]

Hey, I've wondered myself about the burns because I've never heard anyone mention it before. My thoughts on the burns and heat are:

- I was too close to the steel bucket I used to transfer the briquettes.
- I was topless because of the heat.
- It was warm out.
- The inside of the van is obviously metal so it acted like an oven.
- I used way too much charcoal - 4kg (8.82 lb, if American).

The second time, it was cold out, I only used 2kg of charcoal, which might still be overkill. I also was a lot more wrapped up just in case but the heat was fine 2nd time around.

I'd be very careful about setting the bucket or whatever you're using on or close to anything flammable, my van has a fibreglass interior so I sat the bucket on a paving slab both times, works fine. Bear in mind too that heat rises so it's obviously cooler close to the floor. I'd suggest just not being too close to them and to cover up. Also watch your hands when carrying whatever your coals are in. To be honest, with the heat, it's just an exercise in common sense. If you have the time and privacy, perhaps run some tests to get a feel for it. I think I only screwed up so badly the first time was because I'd already taken my cocktail whilst I was preparing so I was a bit dosy!

Finally, if you're doing it indoors, please make sure there's no one near you and just don't do it in a block of flats for example. Carbon monoxide is tasteless, invisible and doesn't smell. No one want collateral.

I've probably missed a bunch here so I'd implore you to do your own research on all of this but don't get too bogged down in the details. I've seen posts going into really excessive detail about things and all that information can be very depressing, especially if ones already distressed!

PS: When the charcoal is burning in the chimney starter, it does produce a lot of smoke for 30 mins or so. After that, none.

 

[Cleopatra123]

Hey, I've wondered myself about the burns because I've never heard anyone mention it before. My thoughts on the burns and heat are:

- I was too close to the steel bucket I used to transfer the briquettes.
- I was topless because of the heat.
- It was warm out.
- The inside of the van is obviously metal so it acted like an oven.
- I used way too much charcoal - 4kg (8.82 lb, if American).

The second time, it was cold out, I only used 2kg of charcoal, which might still be overkill. I also was a lot more wrapped up just in case but the heat was fine 2nd time around.

I'd be very careful about setting the bucket or whatever you're using on or close to anything flammable, my van has a fibreglass interior so I sat the bucket on a paving slab both times, works fine. Bear in mind too that heat rises so it's obviously cooler close to the floor. I'd suggest just not being too close to them and to cover up. Also watch your hands when carrying whatever your coals are in. To be honest, with the heat, it's just an exercise in common sense. If you have the time and privacy, perhaps run some tests to get a feel for it. I think I only screwed up so badly the first time was because I'd already taken my cocktail whilst I was preparing so I was a bit dosy!

Finally, if you're doing it indoors, please make sure there's no one near you and just don't do it in a block of flats for example. Carbon monoxide is tasteless, invisible and doesn't smell. No one want collateral.

I've probably missed a bunch here so I'd implore you to do your own research on all of this but don't get too bogged down in the details. I've seen posts going into really excessive detail about things and all that information can be very depressing, especially if ones already distressed!

PS: When the charcoal is burning in the chimney starter, it does produce a lot of smoke for 30 mins or so. After that, none.

I could lower the thermostat and make the room cool; the room/door seems very tight, but could some CO escape into the house; even if I close my bedroom door. The other occupied rooms are on the other side of the house. I suppose I should put a note on the door to warn anyone entering; do I need 8 hours to be gone, if I do this late at night, someone may be around in the AM. It's a pretty scary thing to me, though, I've read everything, and it seems the most peaceful.

 

[Phinphr]

I could lower the thermostat and make the room cool; the room/door seems very tight, but could some CO escape into the house; even if I close my bedroom door. The other occupied rooms are on the other side of the house. I suppose I should put a note on the door to warn anyone entering; do I need 8 hours to be gone, if I do this late at night, someone may be around in the AM. It's a pretty scary thing to me, though, I've read everything, and it seems the most peaceful.

I agree. In terms of peacefulness, cost and access, I think it is the best method. Lowering the thermostat sounds like a good idea. On top of all the cautionary stuff, I think that doing it when it's cold is just nicer. Like snuggling up by a cosy fire :) The time required depends on so many factors, ventilation, amount of charcoal burned, build, age, general health, height, size of the area etc. I understand the time constraint though, it sucks. Both attempts, my biggest worry has been being discovered before I passed. There is information out there about time needed and as long as you don't mind sifting through the scientific jargon it can give a decent idea.

I really don't know about doing it inside when other people are about... I would put a CO warning note up though. My gut says it would probably be fine because I'm still alive and I was right next to the charcoal in the back of a van! Even after an hour or so of exposure, I just had a migraine for the next 24 hours. Saying that, people do unintentionally die in their sleep from CO leaks. Maybe you could leave a window open in the room adjoining the closet? That and the note should be enough I'd think. It's risky though, attempting itself can be pretty scary and you don't want to have that added stress.

 

[Dawn0071111]

You said you didn't drink on the second attempt cause you didn't want to use your phone..... Can you do something with your phone like lock it or put in a place where it is not easily accssible like glove compartments etc?

I'd like to start by saying that I believe this method to be perfectly viable and cheap and easy to use. I thought I'd preface that because I've failed twice! I'll explain why later.

Provided you have access to a small, poorly vented space and about £50, I think this can be a much less daunting experience than say, hanging or jumping. There's a fair amount of prep required but I think that's true of any method available. You'll want to get your hands on a few things:

- chimney starter
- charcoal briquettes
- long/cooks matches
- steel bucket or similar item (to transfer coals)
- alcohol, benzodiazepines, sleeping pills (optional)

That's the basic shopping list.

There are plenty of in depth guides to this method online so I won't go into all the details. I thought I could provide some insight into what the process is like though (how it feels etc, why I failed etc.)

So, attempt number 1: This was the most peaceful of the two because I was drunk! I basically passed out in the back of my van after taking rum, diazapam and OTC sleeping pills. Unfortunately, because I was drunk, I phoned my best mate and was found about 45 minutes into the attempt. I woke up in hospital. Then I had to jump through the hoops of the British mental health system (I wasn't sectioned). I also received burns of my right arm and back. I can't under estimate the heat involved with this first attempt. It was in June and it had been 25-30 degrees for the preceding days. During the attempt I felt no pain, discomfort or stress at all.

Attempt number 2: After the heat and the phone call of the first attempt I waited until it was colder out and I decided to do it sober (so as not to drunk dial anyone). This time, the heat was actually pleasant and I made sure to wear jeans and a jacket so no risk of burns (wasn't an issue anyway). I still used diazapam and sleeping pills but this time was a lot different. I don't want to scare anyone but the truth is, is that this one wasn't nice. After about 20 minutes in my van I felt a throbbing in my ears which got more intense. Then I passed out. After about an hour or so I woke up with a terrible headache and some really funky coordination. I got out, cleaned everything up and went to bed. The best way to describe the feeling is a REALLY brutal hangover. Nausa, migraine, pain behind the eyes.

I'm going to try again but the things I have learned are that primarily, this is not (for me at least) a summer method. Most importantly though is that you want to pass out with this one, maybe people out there are tougher than me but I couldn't handle the discomfort of carbon monoxide poisoning whilst conscious. I'd highly recommend that you do all the prep required etc. and then get into your enclosed space, get drunk and take some benzo's. Considering what was said in hospital after my first attempt, I believe that if it wasn't for my drunken phone call I would have caught the bus completely obliviously.

I appreciate anyone taking the time to read this and I'd welcome any tips or questions. Cheers!

My first attempt was with a gas generator and I passed out peacefully too...I had drunk an entire bottle of champange with herbal sleeping pills... unfortunatly my SI kicked in while is was in a BLACKOUT STATE and I escaped the room I was in and ended up foiling the whole thing. But yes, done righ tI think this is the most peaceful way to go.... IMO you have to already be so sleepy, drunk, sedated that you fall asleep/pass out before the c0 kicks in fully....

 

[Phinphr]

Champagne :L I love that, going out with some class :) that's a good point though, sleep deprivation can help with the initial SI. I've heard that if you let the burning coals build up for 20-30 mins before getting in, you can pass out a lot more easily and bypass the headaches/nausea etc. Personally I'd rather get in straight away, have a drink and listen to some music.

I missed your phone comment. I'll be in the back of the van so no glove compartments ;) to be honest, it's just one of those things to watch for ya know. The not drinking 2nd time was partly to just make sure I got everything set up properly. I think a balance between being drunk enough to pass out and being sober enough to do it properly is the sweet spot ;)

 

[No hope]

This info is good, I've tried this method twice and stayed in a tent long enough to b dead. Its fucked my memory from the failed attempts and life is pointless now. Do u have inbox I can private message u

 

[Soul]

Your information is very valuable, thank you. I have a question about what you said about heat. I'd never read of anyone being burned before. Were you in a tent, or car. I have a problem with mobility, no car, and the getting of everything ready due to illness. However, I have a 5x6 foot walk in closet in my large bedroom. The closet has a high ceiling as it connects to cathedral ceiling. There is a narrow particle board dresser, and a wooden shelf next to each other about 6'high. I thought, I would have to remove all the clothing, and things of materials, like blankets in plastic holders on a shelf all around; I should probably remove those items as well. The items on the floor are mostly metal, a large glass window, and the floor is carpeted. No windows. I thought to light the bricks well into the night when all was asleep; a little concerned that a neighbor may see the smoke, but then bring it in: I have benzos and diphendrate I use for a sleep disorder, I could triple the dose and should be out cold. Now I am worried that the little room is so closed, and warm that the carpet or I might catch on fire. LOL, not my dream exit. Of course, I don't want to set the house on fire. Anyone have any suggestions. Thanks all.

@Cleopatra123, it's not a good idea to do it in a carpeted room. The carpet will burn; it sounds like the ceiling is a flimsy-ish one that might be at risk of smoldering too and most likely isn't airtight.

My understanding is that with this method it's not enough for the space you're in to "seem tight"; one needs to actively seal gaps with tape or whatever. Maybe @Phinphr could comment on that? Thank you.

@Phinphr, thank you for all this good information. I appreciate that you don't want to daze us with details, but in threads about failed charcoal attempts it always seems that getting it to burn evenly has been a problem for people. Can you provide a little insight on that, please and thank you kindly?

I've even started theorizing that the charcoal available in Asia is somehow significantly different than what people get in Europe and the Americas, since the method is very popular in Asia but here on the forum it seems people have all kinds of trouble with it.

Anyway, @Phinphr and @Cleopatra123, I'm sorry about whatever has led you to contemplate this. Be careful x

PS: A worthwhile cautionary tale:

https://sanctioned-suicide.net/threads/i-messed-up.21130/

 

[Phinphr]

@Cleopatra123, it's not a good idea to do it in a carpeted room. The carpet will burn; it sounds like the ceiling is a flimsy-ish one that might be at risk of smoldering too and most likely isn't airtight.

My understanding is that with this method it's not enough for the space you're in to "seem tight"; one needs to actively seal gaps with tape or whatever. Maybe @Phinphr could comment on that? Thank you.

@Phinphr, thank you for all this good information. I appreciate that you don't want to daze us with details, but in threads about failed charcoal attempts it always seems that getting it to burn evenly has been a problem for people. Can you provide a little insight on that, please and thank you kindly?

I've even started theorizing that the charcoal available in Asia is somehow significantly different than what people get in Europe and the Americas, since the method is very popular in Asia but here on the forum it seems people have all kinds of trouble with it.

Anyway, @Phinphr and @Cleopatra123, I'm sorry about whatever has led you to contemplate this. Be careful x

PS: A worthwhile cautionary tale:

https://sanctioned-suicide.net/threads/i-messed-up.21130/

Hey, I second that. If you had to do it on a carpet for example, then you'd definitely want to sit it on something non flammable. Breeze blocks, bricks, paving slabs, anything like that works fine. Ceiling wise, I'm unsure of. It would depend on the height and the amount of charcoal used. It's not something I've thought of because I've lit mine outside. Again, the best advice would be to get a feel for your particular situation. If you can bear the heat on your skin a couple of feet above the smouldering coals then I'd imagine the ceiling would be fine.

I'm not sure about the space needing to be absolutely airtight. It would be ideal I think but I'm not sure that it's necessary. I was pretty out of it in hospital, but my brother told me I was given pure oxygen for a long time and that the CO levels in my blood were dangerously high. The back of my van isn't airtight but I'd think that it is more so than a room in a house. I'm not an expert but you get CO warnings for lighting BBQ's outside, near an open window. You know how cautious companies have to be with health warnings so that suggests to me that an airtight space isn't really needed.

Thanks. I didn't have a problem with burning evenly. The best way to light them is with a chimney starter, they're really good little tools. You can simply fill it with briquettes, place some newspaper scrunchies tucked under it and light them. It gets going almost instantly and after about 20-30 minutes they're good to transfer over into a bucket to smoulder. Most importantly though, I don't even think its vital that they are burnt evenly. All carbon monoxide is, is a byproduct of burning organic material. So, if you want to do it absolutely perfectly then you'd want all of the briquettes burning at the same rate but they will all give off CO to some extent when you burn them. It's a matter of detail and perfection I think. Balancing doing it right and not doing it at all because it seems too complicated.

On the Asia thing. I wouldn't imagine that the charcoal they use is different really than what we have in the west. It's just wood burned in a specific way and it's an ancient technology. I can't think of a way in which a producer could remove the carbon from it since that's all it really is. Some charcoal made of denser wood would have a higher carbon content I suppose but I'd have to do some reading on all of that. I don't know why it has been more popular in Asia but there are plenty of cases in the UK of intentional and unintentional CO poisoning causing death.

I appreciate that, it's a bummer any of us are on here really!

I have and will do it in the back of my van, fibreglass floor, on a paving slab so no burnt seats for me :) but it's something to take into account if one's gonna do it in a car.

This info is good, I've tried this method twice and stayed in a tent long enough to b dead. Its fucked my memory from the failed attempts and life is pointless now. Do u have inbox I can private message u

Hey. Thanks and I'm sorry to hear that bud. By all means, pm me but please don't expect me to be an expert on this, seeing as I'm alive an' all ;)

 

[Dantec]

@Phinphr thank you very much for your detailed testimony on this method which is subject to many prejudices, PPM meter, waterproof zone, etc..

 

[Phinphr]

@Phinphr thank you very much for your detailed testimony on this method which is subject to many prejudices, PPM meter, waterproof zone, etc..

Thanks. What's your opinion on the necessity of using a PPM meter? I'm not sure what you mean by waterproof zone, is it referencing tents? If so, I know nothing about it as I wouldn't personally use a tent.

 

[Dantec]

After reading many press articles and publications on different forums, this tester is useless in my opinion, a poster of this forum put a PDF in French that explains the suicide by CO more than 100 years ago and the success of this method, for the waterproof zone many recommend to tape all air inlets to obtain a high concentration of CO.

http://www.biusante.parisdescartes.fr/sfhm/hsm/HSMx2015x049x003_4/HSMx2015x049x003_4x0427.pdf

 

[Soul]

Googling "charcoal carbon content" has yielded some very interesting results. There are major differences and I reckon that's something one would want to consider when choosing one's supplies.

Also, I didn't mean I think the space one is in needs to be literally airtight, just that one needs to do more than just hope for luck. A bit of judiciously placed duct tape can do wonders, I've read.

Another potentially useful article:

Garage carbon monoxide levels from sources commonly used in intentional poisoning - PubMed

While emissions controls on automobiles have reduced intentional CO poisonings, alternate sources may produce CO at levels of the same magnitude as vehicles manufactured prior to the use of catalytic converters. Those involved in the care of potentially suicidal individuals should be aware of this.

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

[Phinphr]

Googling "charcoal carbon content" has yielded some very interesting results. There are major differences and I reckon that's something one would want to consider when choosing one's supplies.

Also, I didn't mean I think the space one is in needs to be literally airtight, just that one needs to do more than just hope for luck. A bit of judiciously placed duct tape can do wonders, I've read.

Yeah, I just had a quick flick through google at that. After reading news stories of people ctb'ing from a single disposable BBQ, I assumed that worrying over the quality of the charcoal was a bit pedantic. A part of me wants to do copious research on finding the highest carbon content stuff out there but I just don't know if it's really necessary. I'm leaning towards the thinking that, charcoal with even a low of 50% carbon would be sufficient, if one upped the quantity. I think its about balancing, especially if one is distressed. I wouldn't want to get overwhelmed with detail, if it's not necessary. That's a great point though, something I hadn't given much thought, so thanks! What are your thoughts on the carbon content?

In regards to ventilation, I agree. I think poor ventilation would be fine. Whacking some duct tape on the problem is never a bad idea! I did feel a very small draft on the first attempt because of the extreme temperature differences. The trouble is, to properly tape up that area, I'd have to tape up the exterior of the door join. Which is rather conspicuous and I believe avoiding detection as long as possible with this method is a priority. If someone is planning on doing this in a room for example, then I would definitely cover up any doorways or extractor fans etc. I thought that plastic sheeting or even cling film and duct tape would work well there.

 

[Soul]

I don't know enough about it to have any useful opinions on carbon content, but everything I'm reading indicates that there really are considerable differences that could be a big part of why people get such mixed results with this method. How hot the stuff burns, how fast, how long, the percentage of additives would all affect whether you're going to achieve enough ppm before it gets too hot to bear, too suffocating due to starch and string and other crap, or the embers smother themselves instead of you.

Fascinating - but which way success lies is unclear. Except that a generator or a leaf-blower might be more reliable:

Garage carbon monoxide levels from sources commonly used in intentional poisoning - PubMed

While emissions controls on automobiles have reduced intentional CO poisonings, alternate sources may produce CO at levels of the same magnitude as vehicles manufactured prior to the use of catalytic converters. Those involved in the care of potentially suicidal individuals should be aware of this.

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

[Phinphr]

After reading many press articles and publications on different forums, this tester is useless in my opinion, a poster of this forum put a PDF in French that explains the suicide by CO more than 100 years ago and the success of this method, for the waterproof zone many recommend to tape all air inlets to obtain a high concentration of CO.

http://www.biusante.parisdescartes.fr/sfhm/hsm/HSMx2015x049x003_4/HSMx2015x049x003_4x0427.pdf

I'd imagine CO poisoning was a lot more common 100 years ago, intentional or not. No central heating, indoor coal burners etc. I think the using a CO detector is overkill, personally. Although, it could give someone peace of mind. Yes, I agree. I think the air flow is more about preventing oxygen getting in, rather than CO escaping.

I don't know enough about it to have any useful opinions on carbon content, but everything I'm reading indicates that there really are considerable differences that could be a big part of why people get such mixed results with this method. How hot the stuff burns, how fast, how long, the percentage of additives would all affect whether you're going to achieve enough ppm before it gets too hot to bear, too suffocating due to starch and string and other crap, or the embers smother themselves instead of you.

Fascinating - but which way success lies is unclear. Except that a generator or a leaf-blower might be more reliable:

Garage carbon monoxide levels from sources commonly used in intentional poisoning - PubMed

While emissions controls on automobiles have reduced intentional CO poisonings, alternate sources may produce CO at levels of the same magnitude as vehicles manufactured prior to the use of catalytic converters. Those involved in the care of potentially suicidal individuals should be aware of this.

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

To be honest, this is the level of depth I'm trying to avoid. It's just a product of the seriousness of the topic with any method chosen I suppose. With every method I've thought about I got obsessed; with carotid arteries, knots, pressure, ligatures, correct positioning, how the fuck am I supposed to go about 'getting N from A' and anti emetics and everything single bloody possibility and risk involved! :L The thing I like about charcoal, is that it's relatively simple and easy to get hold of the supplies needed. I aslo think one can afford to do a bit of trial and error with it. I think it's the Internets fault tbh. There's no end to the level of detail one can go into and it just becomes a spiral of confusing despair. I'm sorry for the rant, I hope that didn't come across as rude.

 

[Soul]

The thing I like about charcoal, is that it's relatively simple and easy to get hold of the supplies needed. I aslo think one can afford to do a bit of trial and error with it. I think it's the Internets fault tbh. There's no end to the level of detail one can go into and it just becomes a spiral of confusing despair. I'm sorry for the rant, I hope that didn't come across as rude.

No, not rude; a bit revisionist maybe? The charcoal method *should* be simple, since there are so many accidental deaths from it, but your two very different failures with it illustrate that it's not as simple as we'd like. The discomfort of your second trial sounds to me like loads of additives in the briquettes - there shouldn't be any discomfort, so *something* was wrong.

I'm glad you survived your attempts relatively unscathed and chipper enough to have another go at it, but a lot of us can't really afford a trial-and-error approach, for a variety of reasons. If you're happy with it, though, don't let me clog you up with details. It's very good of you to share your research with us.

Be careful, stay hydrated, eat your spinach and get plenty of fresh air between trials. x

 

[Phinphr]

No, not rude; a bit revisionist maybe? The charcoal method *should* be simple, since there are so many accidental deaths from it, but your two very different failures with it illustrate that it's not as simple as we'd like. The discomfort of your second trial sounds to me like loads of additives in the briquettes - there shouldn't be any discomfort, so *something* was wrong.

I'm glad you survived your attempts relatively unscathed and chipper enough to have another go at it, but a lot of us can't really afford a trial-and-error approach, for a variety of reasons. If you're happy with it, though, don't let me clog you up with details. It's very good of you to share your research with us.

Be careful, stay hydrated, eat your spinach and get plenty of fresh air between trials. x

Yeah, you're right :L It's darkly ironic that all those who have the experience are no longer with us to share. I'd agree with the additive problem but, unless I'm being naive, the 'Weber' brand I used both times are supposedly '100% natural, with no added chemicals'. I think discomfort is to be expected however, hence the necessity to pass out with your chosen cocktail beforehand. Carbon monoxide poisoning alone does have negative effects.

Thanks. I'm surprised that both failures haven't depressed me really, you'd expect to feel disheartened. I understand and I don't want to come across as flippant by saying 'trial and error'. What I mean is that, as far as I can tell, it's not strictly an all or nothing approach. You can abort for whatever reason.

I appreciate your concern, really.

 

[Cleopatra123]

Hey, I second that. If you had to do it on a carpet for example, then you'd definitely want to sit it on something non flammable. Breeze blocks, bricks, paving slabs, anything like that works fine. Ceiling wise, I'm unsure of. It would depend on the height and the amount of charcoal used. It's not something I've thought of because I've lit mine outside. Again, the best advice would be to get a feel for your particular situation. If you can bear the heat on your skin a couple of feet above the smouldering coals then I'd imagine the ceiling would be fine.

I'm not sure about the space needing to be absolutely airtight. It would be ideal I think but I'm not sure that it's necessary. I was pretty out of it in hospital, but my brother told me I was given pure oxygen for a long time and that the CO levels in my blood were dangerously high. The back of my van isn't airtight but I'd think that it is more so than a room in a house. I'm not an expert but you get CO warnings for lighting BBQ's outside, near an open window. You know how cautious companies have to be with health warnings so that suggests to me that an airtight space isn't really needed.

Thanks. I didn't have a problem with burning evenly. The best way to light them is with a chimney starter, they're really good little tools. You can simply fill it with briquettes, place some newspaper scrunchies tucked under it and light them. It gets going almost instantly and after about 20-30 minutes they're good to transfer over into a bucket to smoulder. Most importantly though, I don't even think its vital that they are burnt evenly. All carbon monoxide is, is a byproduct of burning organic material. So, if you want to do it absolutely perfectly then you'd want all of the briquettes burning at the same rate but they will all give off CO to some extent when you burn them. It's a matter of detail and perfection I think. Balancing doing it right and not doing it at all because it seems too complicated.

On the Asia thing. I wouldn't imagine that the charcoal they use is different really than what we have in the west. It's just wood burned in a specific way and it's an ancient technology. I can't think of a way in which a producer could remove the carbon from it since that's all it really is. Some charcoal made of denser wood would have a higher carbon content I suppose but I'd have to do some reading on all of that. I don't know why it has been more popular in Asia but there are plenty of cases in the UK of intentional and unintentional CO poisoning causing death.

I appreciate that, it's a bummer any of us are on here really!

I have and will do it in the back of my van, fibreglass floor, on a paving slab so no burnt seats for me :) but it's something to take into account if one's gonna do it in a car.


Hey. Thanks and I'm sorry to hear that bud. By all means, pm me but please don't expect me to be an expert on this, seeing as I'm alive an' all ;)

Thanks so much @Soul, your information is very helpful. I've been researching for the past 3 months, and I am very depressed as to my ability to carry this off in any way. Since my body is wasting away anyway, why is it so difficult to end one's suffering.

Thanks so much @Soul, your information is very helpful. I've been researching for the past 3 months, and I am very depressed as to my ability to carry this off in any way. Since my body is wasting away anyway, why is it so difficult to end one's suffering.

Thanks so much @Soul, your information is very helpful. I've been researching for the past 3 months, and I am very depressed as to my ability to carry this off in any way. Since my body is wasting away anyway, why is it so difficult to end one's suffering.

To finish, as mentioned above, many are not capable of creating the correct environment and equipment, and practicing may be difficult for many reasons. Best wishes to your all and thanks.

 

[Phinphr]

Thanks so much @Soul, your information is very helpful. I've been researching for the past 3 months, and I am very depressed as to my ability to carry this off in any way. Since my body is wasting away anyway, why is it so difficult to end one's suffering.


To finish, as mentioned above, many are not capable of creating the correct environment and equipment, and practicing may be difficult for many reasons. Best wishes to your all and thanks.

I apologise. I'm young and I forget the physical limitations some people suffer with. Best wishes to you too x

 

[purplemoon]

I'd imagine CO poisoning was a lot more common 100 years ago, intentional or not. No central heating, indoor coal burners etc. I think the using a CO detector is overkill, personally. Although, it could give someone peace of mind. Yes, I agree. I think the air flow is more about preventing oxygen getting in, rather than CO escaping.


To be honest, this is the level of depth I'm trying to avoid. It's just a product of the seriousness of the topic with any method chosen I suppose. With every method I've thought about I got obsessed; with carotid arteries, knots, pressure, ligatures, correct positioning, how the fuck am I supposed to go about 'getting N from A' and anti emetics and everything single bloody possibility and risk involved! :L The thing I like about charcoal, is that it's relatively simple and easy to get hold of the supplies needed. I aslo think one can afford to do a bit of trial and error with it. I think it's the Internets fault tbh. There's no end to the level of detail one can go into and it just becomes a spiral of confusing despair. I'm sorry for the rant, I hope that didn't come across as rude.

I can SO relate to you on the confusing despair plus trying to analyze every possible aspect of each method. I think I've found one and then learn about all the crappy things that can happen (like brain damage?) and get frustrated.
May I ask you what you think about drowning in a bathtub? I know it sounds dorky, but many times I wonder if I could just take a bunch of pills over many hours so i don't puke them up, drink everclear, and lean back in a tub of water.

Sounds like you have probably researched more than me.... but *theoretically* what do you think of my idea please?

 

[Cleopatra123]

I apologise. I'm young and I forget the physical limitations some people suffer with. Best wishes to you too x

I can SO relate to you on the confusing despair plus trying to analyze every possible aspect of each method. I think I've found one and then learn about all the crappy things that can happen (like brain damage?) and get frustrated.
May I ask you what you think about drowning in a bathtub? I know it sounds dorky, but many times I wonder if I could just take a bunch of pills over many hours so i don't puke them up, drink everclear, and lean back in a tub of water.

Sounds like you have probably researched more than me.... but *theoretically* what do you think of my idea please?

I tried this method; practicing hyperventilating, but after 10 minutes nothing happened, except I was exhausted and had to stop. I thought myself this a good idea, and don't know why I couldn't do it.

 

[purplemoon]

I tried this method; practicing hyperventilating, but after 10 minutes nothing happened, except I was exhausted and had to stop. I thought myself this a good idea, and don't know why I couldn't do it.

:-) Yeah one time (okay of many times) I tried tying a plastic bag around my entire head and took some pills, all i ended up with was a headache and probably lost some brain cells that day... plus it was really hot and sweaty and gross in the bag. I think I'm going to choose clean water for my grand finale. Your hyperventilating may have been similar.

 

[ProlongedSentence]

:-) Yeah one time (okay of many times) I tried tying a plastic bag around my entire head and took some pills, all i ended up with was a headache and probably lost some brain cells that day... plus it was really hot and sweaty and gross in the bag. I think I'm going to choose clean water for my grand finale. Your hyperventilating may have been similar.

Clean water?

 

[purplemoon]

Clean water as in bathtub water (instead of drowning in an icky dirty water lake) i should have made that clearer Lol