Ohio's new backup plan for executing inmates by injection allows at least three attempts to administer lethal drugs into muscles in the arms or legs, with the strength of the drug increasing for a third attempt and beyond. The backup would be used if attempts at a lethal intravenous injection fail.
The backup procedure, as outlined by the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction:
—A medical execution team member shall enter the death chamber at the warden's direction and administer an intramuscular injection of 10 mg midazolam and 40 mg hydromorphone, labeled syringe "A," into a large muscle of the condemned prisoner, usually the deltoid or triceps muscle. Alternative sites may include the hip, thigh or other location.
—Five minutes after injection of this drug, a medical team member shall re-enter the chamber to listen for breathing sounds. If the inmate is still breathing, the medical team member shall administer an intramuscular injection of 10 mg midazolam and 40 mg hydromorphone, labeled syringe "B," into a large muscle.
—Five minutes after injection of this medication, a medical team member shall re-enter the chamber again to listen for breathing sounds. If the inmate is still breathing, the medical team member shall administer an intramuscular injection of 60 mg of hydromorphone only, labeled syringe "C," into a large muscle.
—Any additional doses shall be administered as described for syringe "C."
The state adopted the new procedures in time for the execution of Kenneth Biros scheduled on December 8.
