04-02 Death Investigations Flashcards
Who has the authority to pronounce a person dead?
A qualified medical practitioner
Exceptions include obvious death due to conditions like decomposition or a base hospital physician declaring death.
What must be done if a person has not been pronounced dead by a qualified medical practitioner?
They must be treated as a living patient.
Under what conditions will Paramedics transport a deceased person?
Only when a body removal service is not readily available.
Deceased persons will not be transported in the same vehicle as a _______.
living patient.
What should officers be vigilant for in cases of sudden unexpected deaths?
Possibility of foul play.
Who will be notified in all cases of unnatural sudden death?
The Coroner.
What should be done after the pronouncement of death?
The body should not be touched or moved without the direction of the Coroner.
Every sudden unexpected death of a child under five years of age must be investigated as _______.
suspicious.
Who should attend the morgue to identify the deceased in certain circumstances?
The investigator heading the investigation or a designated police officer.
What unit should be notified if the identification of the deceased cannot be determined?
Homicide and Missing Persons Unit.
Who determines admittance into the post mortem examination room?
The Medical Director of the Facility.
What should be avoided when investigating a death attributed to consumer products?
Medications should not be taken to Forensic Pathology Units unless requested.
Who should notify the next of kin whenever possible?
A supervisory officer.
What must be completed prior to the Post Mortem Examination when the Coroner has ordered an autopsy?
The Initial Officer Report.
What should be done when notified of a suicide with a suicide note?
Ensure the note and other writings are scanned and e-transferred to the Coroner.
