Why first British couple to sign up for 'suicide pod' will have their death recorded on camera
A British couple who intend to end their lives side-by-side in a double suicide pod will have their final moments recorded on camera.
Peter Scott and his wife Christine are set to travel to Switzerland and will become the first UK citizens to use Exit International's high-tech assisted dying system yet, known as the Sarco pod.
The 3D-printed capsule, which has been described as the 'Tesla of euthanasia', is mounted on a stand that contains a canister of liquid nitrogen which is administered which will cause users to pass away through inert gas asphyxiation.
The use of nitrogen decreases oxygen levels rapidly so that individuals inside quickly feel woozy before falling unconscious after just 60 seconds, while the entire process takes just 10 minutes.
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Peter explained that he and Christine, 80, decided that they want to leave this world together after 46-years of marriage after she was diagnosed with vascular dementia.
The NHS warns that the condition - which is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain - will 'usually get worse over time'.
Retired RAF pilot Peter, 86, explained that he couldn't bear to watch his beloved wife deteriorate and also 'would not want to go on living without' the former nurse, hence why they are signing up to use the controversial Sarco pod.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: "We have had long, happy, healthy, fulfilled lives but here we are in old age and it does not do nice things to you.
"We understand other people may not share our feelings and we respect their position. What we want is the right to choose.
"I find it deeply depressing we can't do that here in the UK."
The grandparents have got the ball rolling with Swiss organisation The Last Resort, but will be waiting until Dr Philip Nitschke's double pod is launched - which could be 'as early as January', according to reports - and once Christine's health has deteriorated further.
Their deaths inside the suicide pod will be recorded on camera, but it's for a very good reason.
The footage will be handed to a coroner as a means of evidence of their death.
When climbing into the twin model, Peter and Christine will be asked three questions: "Who are you?', 'Where are you?' and 'Do you know what happens when you press the button?"
Dr Nitschke says this is intended to prove that patients are of sound mind when they make the decision to go through with it.
The Australian medic, 76, told the Daily Mail that the double pod was ready for launch.
"The capsule for two people works exactly the same as the single Sarco but there is only one button so they will decide between them who will push it," Dr Nitschke said.
"Then they’ll be able to hold each other and one of them will push the button."
Topics: Health, UK News, World News, Technology
Olivia Burke