Series: Insights into working at Dignitas
05 November 2025
Part 3: In conversation with Andrea* and Tino** from the Assisted Dying Companion Team
What brought you to Dignitas?
Andrea: I used to work for a funeral home which also picks up the deceased who have opted for physician-supported assisted suicide (PSAS) at the “Blue House”, the premises of Dignitas[1]. That’s how I got to know the Dignitas staff – and eventually ended up on the Companion Team.
Tino: I have always worked with people in – let’s say – difficult life situations. Before joining Dignitas, I worked at Exit (Deutsche Schweiz), where my responsibilities included member administration and PSAS planning. I joined Dignitas because the international orientation of the association allows me to make greater use of my language skills and because it offers the opportunity to work both in the office and as part of the companion team.
What are the main tasks of the Companion Team?
A: We guide the Dignitas member and their family and/or accompanying persons through the process. And, yes, we also hand out tissues and sometimes give the bereaved a hug.
T: I see us as service providers, but also as a kind of wish fulfillers. We empower people to do something they want to do with dignity. In doing so, we find ourselves in a double role: on the one hand, we help shape this special moment in such a way that it is as pleasant as possible for everyone involved. On the other hand, we bear the “ultimate responsibility” on behalf of the association: for example, we check once again whether the dossier is in order or ensure that the member still meets all the eligibility criteria for an assisted suicide to be conducted. Otherwise, we will have to put on the brakes. Fortunately, thanks to the multiple-eyes principle at Dignitas this hardly ever happens.
How does the assistance work?
A: We companions[2] arrive at the “Blue House” about an hour and a half before the member on the morning of the procedure. For Swiss residents, the assistance will take place at home. We first study the member’s file and react if we notice any inconsistencies. Then the member arrives, usually with family and/or friends, sometimes alone. We then usually take care of the final administrative steps, such as signing the power of attorney and declaration of voluntary assisted suicide. After that, the member spends as much time as she or he still needs with their loved ones. In summer, they often sit for a while in the garden in front of the “Blue House”. We companions remain in the background during this time until the member is ready to take the medication[3]. From this point on, we are always in the room to ensure that everything runs safely. Our presence also has a calming effect on the relatives.
Which moments/situations have particularly stuck in your memory?
T: Once I accompanied an elderly gentleman who, after drinking the medication, remarked drily that he had had better shots. At that moment, everyone laughed, and he fell asleep with a smile on his lips. Another example is an elderly woman who was accompanied by her two daughters, one of whom was pregnant. When the woman said goodbye to her unborn grandchild, I also had tears in my eyes.
For me, every time I accompany someone, there are special moments that stay with me. And I have to say: to me, the moment of letting go, of dying, is one of the liveliest one.
A: Even now, after almost 14 years, it still affects me when parents have to accompany their own children, even if these children are perhaps already in their 40s and glad to be allowed to go. One family in particular has stayed in my memory: the young man was in his late twenties and he was really happy to be allowed to go. His mother and father shared this feeling. Some time after the accompanied suicide, I received a thank-you letter from these parents. I am still touched when I remember it. After this accompaniment, I first drove home, spent time with my children and was just so grateful that they are healthy.
What helps you through difficult moments?
A: Interestingly, it helps when the authorities arrive.
T: Yes, absolutely. Their objectivity quickly brings us, the companions, back down to earth. It is not that they lack compassion, but they are acting in their role as representatives of the state.
A: Since an assisted suicide is categorised as an “unusual death”, generally the police, representatives of the Institute of Forensic Medicine (IRM) and a state prosecutor come on site.
What qualities are important for this job?
A & T: Empathy!
A: It is also important to be as close as possible, but as distant as necessary. And sometimes it takes courage and determination. For example, if we as the companion team feel that the member is not yet ready, we must have the courage to address this and say: “Today is not your day to die.”
What do you particularly like about working in the Companion Team and at Dignitas in general?
A: I like the freedom we have at the association, at least when there is no assisted suicide scheduled. On a day with an assisted suicide, the member determines the schedule of course.
T: The appreciative and uncomplicated coworking.
How has working at Dignitas changed you?
T: I find myself asking more often: Is this really important? And I try to enjoy things more consciously and keep in touch with friends. I no longer take things for granted as much as I used to – especially with regard to my own health. But it’s not like I spend all day thinking that it could soon be over. I just appreciate life very much.
A: I perceive many things more consciously, appreciate everyday things more and simply know how quickly it can all be over. I think I’ve also become more relaxed. At least, that’s what my children told me: “Mummy, you’re much more chilled!”
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*Andrea has been working at Dignitas for 13.5 years. In addition to her work in the Companion Team, she is part of the First Contact Team and takes care of the Dignitas archive.
**Tino has been working at Dignitas for 2.5 years. In addition to his work in the Companion Team, he is part of the First Contact Team.
Part 1: Carola from First Contact Team
Part 2: Myriam from the Planning Team
[1] Due to the international orientation of the association, the assistance rarely takes place in the member’s own home, as most of them do not reside in Switzerland. In principle, the procedure in one’s own home is no different from that in the “Blue House”.
[2] For every assisted suicide, two members of the DIGNITAS companion team are present.
[3] For more details on the procedure, click here
