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Pneumonia is a more common cause of a hypoxic death. Its peaceful reputation has led to its common description as the ‘old person’s friend’. While the air inhaled may contain the full 21% of oxygen, the inflammation of the lungs (caused by the pneumonic infection) makes it impossible for the necessary oxygen to be extracted. The blood reaching the brain will have less oxygen than that required for life, and a peaceful death often results.
The presence of an inert gas like Nitrogen or Helium in the Exit Bag will dramatically speed the hypoxic process. When a person exhales fully and then pulls down the Exit bag that is pre-filled with Nitrogen, and then takes a deep breath, the person’s lungs will be filled with a gas in which there is very little oxygen.