Ohio’s former executioner relied on EMT experience

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio’s longest-serving executioner says his experience as an emergency medical technician helped him handle the stress of putting people to death.

The man known as Team Member 18 testified in a court hearing in March that he had to deal with death and dying on a daily basis as a paramedic.

The executioner also said he never received training from the state about the lethal chemicals he injected.

Team Member 18 said he relied on his EMT experience when trying to figure out if an offender was unconscious yet.

A legal opinion issued Wednesday said the state can’t stop EMTs from serving as members of Ohio’s execution team.