During the drop there was an audible crack indicating that Saddam's neck was broken. After Saddam was suspended for a few minutes, the doctor present listened with a stethoscope for a heartbeat. After he detected nothing, the rope was cut, and the body was placed in a coffin.
During the execution, a distinct cracking sound was heard, signifying that Saddam's neck had been fractured. Following a brief suspension, the doctor on site listened with a stethoscope for any signs of a pulse. Upon detecting none, the rope was severed, and the body was then placed in a coffin.