toledoblade.com --

CLEVELAND — Ohio begins the process of executing its death row inmates with the subtle fastening of a warden's jacket button.

The warden's secret signal, which tells execution team members to begin administering the deadly drugs, is among the details of the state's execution procedures revealed in 632 pages of documents, some never before released.

Lorain County Common Pleas Judge James Burge unsealed the documents Thursday.

The documents state that two members of the execution team are certified as emergency medical technicians, and at least one is nationally certified by a pathology board.

But Jeffrey Gamso, a Toledo attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union, sees nothing to convince him that the state can carry out executions in a humane manner.

"For someone to be executed without being tortured in Ohio is dumb luck," said Mr. Gamso, who represents two defendants challenging the lethal injection method.

The state has executed 26 inmates since it resumed putting prisoners to death in 1999. Difficulties with two executions over the last two years — specifically trouble finding suitable veins in inmates' arms — have critics challenging the lethal injection method.
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The state, which carries out executions at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville, stands by its procedures.

The state turned over the binder of documents two weeks ago to Judge Burge, who will consider whether Ohio's execution method is unconstitutional.

Ruben Rivera and Ronald McCloud are challenging the lethal injection method, saying the drugs don't give the quick and painless deaths required by Ohio law.

The state has been reluctant to say anything about who is on the 16-member execution team and, particularly, the medical training received by the three members who prepare an inmate's veins and inject the drugs.

One document shows that a medical team member is certified by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists' Board of Registry. Another shows that this year a team member attended 14 hours of "Comprehensive Intravenous Therapy for Nurses."

The team members practice once a week for four weeks before each execution, including preparation for handling inmates who physically resist.

Executioners train using an artificial arm that they inject with water, according to state documents.

Laurie Badzek, director of the American Nurses' Association's Center for Ethics and Human Rights, said nurses practice using artificial arms, but likely also would train on consenting patients.

The team members — three of whom have participated in all 26 executions — undergo training at least four times a year, according to the documents.

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