Finding into death of Mr EBG

Contributing factors

• Previous suicide attempt in November 2020
• Refusal to engage with psychological support despite referral and encouragement
• Job loss at start of 2021
• Recent declaration of bankruptcy
• Restricted access to son pending custody mediation
• Relationship and family stressors
• Unregulated availability of helium from retail party shops
• Residual suicidality noted by GP

Coroner's recommendations

1. That the ACCC make 20 per cent oxygen dilution of helium in balloon kits mandatory, as well as the possibility of the addition of an aversive agent similar to aerosol cans of compressed air used for dusting electronic equipment
2. That the ACCC and the gas industry reconsider the feasibility of introducing mandatory modifications to helium cylinders in order to limit the ability of individuals to produce a steady flow to enact suicide plans
3. That the ACCC continue to work with industry and commercial operators to inform any potential regulatory or other interventions that they may consider in the future to reduce the risk of inert gas inhalation involving balloon helium
4. That Consumer Affairs Victoria consider what regulatory approaches to reducing the accessibility of helium as a means of suicide might be feasible in the regulatory environment of the State of Victoria, including requiring helium to be mixed with other gases for sale as balloon gas as well as approaches already considered by the ACCC at the Commonwealth level