Author Archive for kp

In Ohio last fall, the execution of Rommel Brown was held for a week after the initial execution was delayed two hours while executioners attempted to insert an IV. This caused Ohio to place a moratorium on all death sentences while it re-considered its capital punishment procedure. Ohio has decided to switch from a 3-drug cocktail to a single drug in carrying out death sentences. However, this is not the first time that there have been issues with starting or maintaining a line during an execution. It seems that the problem is not with the drugs being used, but how they are delivered. I propose administering drugs intraosseously, using something like the EZ-IO. Intraosseous infusion is the perfect alternative, as it has long been the back-up for IVs in the pre-hospital setting (especially in pediatrics). The EZ-IO is incredibly easy to use. Limited medical experience needed. No need to worry about finding a vein or going through a vein. Discomfort is at a minimum. Rapid infusion. The major argument against lethal injection is its cruel and unusual nature. The EZ-IO would answer all of these objections. And if we can perform IO infusions on kids, I think it’s more than acceptable for death row inmates.