Execution by lethal injection involves the continuous intravenous injection
of a lethal quantity of a short-acting barbiturate in
combination with a chemical paralytic agent. A number of doctors have
pointed out that drugs may not work effectively on diabetics or former
drug users, whose veins may be hard to reach. In some cases minor surgery
may be required to cut in to a deeper vein, according to medical testimony.
When lethal injection is used, the inmate is secured with lined ankle and wrist restraints to a gurney in the preparation room outside the chamber. Cardiac monitor leads and a stethoscope are attached. Two saline intravenous lines are started, one in each arm, and the inmate is covered with a sheet.
The inmate is given the opportunity to speak and pray with the chaplain. The warden then gives the condemned an opportunity to record a final statement that will be made public. After the witnesses are in place, the inmate's gurney is taken into the chamber by correctional officers who draw the curtain and exit. Appropriately trained personnel then enter behind the curtain and connect the cardiac monitor leads, the injection devices and the stethoscope to the appropriate leads. The warden informs the witnesses that the execution is about to begin. He returns to the chamber and gives the order to proceed.
The saline intravenous lines are turned off and the thiopental sodium is injected which puts the inmate into a deep sleep.
A second chemical agent, procuronium bromide (the generic name for Pavulon), follows. This agent is a total muscle relaxer. The inmate stops breathing and dies soon afterward. The warden pronounces the inmate dead and a physician certifies death has occurred. The witnesses are escorted to the elevators and the body is released to the medical examiner.