The AGE OLD QUESTION, “Why do they sterilize the Injection site on a scumbag prisoner on deathrow?” and ” The guy is gonna die anyway, not like he has to worry about infection?” or “Why use sterile needles for the procedure?”
A good chunk of us have all heard variants of these questions for as long as we can remember. Some of us who are/were medical proffessionals know the answer; I myself am a Paramedic and Hospital Corpsman Veteran. “…but Spike, what the heck would you know about death row inmates?” good question. and kiss my a**.
Would you like to know? Of course you do! You clicked the link for this blog. Inquiring minds want to know…
The use of an isopropyl alcohol wipe (alcohol prep pad) is commonplace for any and all injections and intravenous practices. Not just for sterilization, but because the chemical brings the vein to the surface in the area of the injection site.
The practice of using sterile needles is simple. The prisoner has an IV started with catheter in place before the executioner flips the switch and the prisoner is pumped full of chemicals that snuff out his light. What if the person was innocent , as rare a situation as this might be, and the Governor gives a stay of execution at the last minute?
So, this is my rant of the day.