Lethal injection
Lethal injection is a method of execution used for crimes which warrant capital punishment. The usual procedure for lethal injection involves strapping a prisoner down to a gurney-style bed. Two sets of intravenous tubes are inserted into each of the prisoner's arms. A typical lethal injection will include three drugs:
- Sodium Pentathol - a sedative to put the prisoner to sleep
- Pavulon - a paralyzing agent that to stop the breathing
- Potassium Chloride - a drug that causes the heart to cease beating.
Lethal injection was first used on December 7, 1982, when Charlie Brooks was executed in Texas. [1]
Death by lethal injection has not traditionally been believed to be painful as the inmate will go to sleep prior to the death-inducing drugs being pumped in their veins, however, recent medical findings have called this into question. [2] Lethal injection is the preferred method for executions in the United States. It is also used in Japan and Arab countries[Citation Needed], and has also been used in Guatemala and the Philippines. [3]