2. Sudden Death Flashcards

1
Q

Police ensure what under the direction of the Coroner?

A
  • As agents of the Coroner, staff understand and apply the requirements under the act
  • Staff attending deaths are trained and aware of the responsibilities within that role
  • Consider the circumstances of every object
  • They maintain a Victim focus and recognise cultural and spiritual needs of those affected by the death
  • Provide appropriate time as possible
  • staff understand the responsibilities and accordance with the Health and Safety at work Act 2015 and staff policies
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2
Q

What is the purpose of the coroners act 2006?

A

To help to prevent deaths and promote justice through
- Investigations and the identification of the causes and circumstances of sudden or unexplained deaths or deaths and special circumstances and
- The making of recommendations or comments that if drawn to public attention may reduce the chances of further deaths occurring in circumstances similar to those in which the deaths occurred

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3
Q

What is the Coroner’s role in relation to a death?

A
  • Receiver of the report of the death from Police
  • Decide whether to direct a post-mortem and authorise certain people to attend ie Pathologist
  • They satisfied with evidence supporting the identification of the deceased
  • Authorise the release of the body
  • Decide whether to open an inquiry and whether an inquiry should be held
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4
Q

List the deaths that must be Reported to police?

A
  • A death that appears to have been without known cause or suicide or unnatural or violent
  • That occurs during medical surgical dental treatment
  • Any death while giving birth
  • A death in official custody or care
  • A death for which no doctor has given a doctor certificate
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5
Q

How do Police report a death to the Coroner?

A

They report the death through National Initial Investigation office (NIIO) 24/7 -0800 266 800

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5
Q

S14 - A police officer who finds a body in New Zealand or receives a report of a death must do what?

A

S15 - Must report the death immediately to duty Coroner

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6
Q

What is the role of NIIO?

A
  • Manage the cases from the time of the death reported to the duty Coroner until the deceased is released to family
  • Keep families informed as to what is happening throughout the early stages of the coronial process (except suspicious circumstances)
  • be the conduit and contact Centre for the next of kin at the conclusion of Police attendance
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7
Q

When a death is reported to the Coroner the Coroner has custody of the body. What does the coroner now determine?

A
  • whether coronial jurisdiction will be taken over the death
  • To direct the contracted transport provider to attend the scene
  • Whether evidence of identification of the deceased is adequate
  • Whether to direct the post-mortem and what level
  • Who may attend at the post-mortem?
  • When can the body be released?
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8
Q

When can a coronial investigation be concluded without opening an enquiry?

A
  • Coronial jurisdiction has been taken to investigate death because no doctor has been able or available to certify a cause of death
  • the Coroner assigned to conduct the investigation becomes satisfied on the basis of a post report that the deceased has died in non suspicious circumstances
  • The circumstances of death do not otherwise require additional investigation
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8
Q

What happens when an enquiry is opened?

A
  • Seek further evidence to establish the cause of death, the circumstances of the death and appropriate recommendations to reduce risks of similar deaths occurring
  • Direct Police to undertake additional investigations
  • After reviewing evidence, Coroner can decide if a formal hearing is required or not
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9
Q

What situations is there a need for a formal hearing in the Coroners court - an inquest?

A
  • There is a need for evidence to be called and tested in open court
  • They need to openly address public speculation or rumours surrounding a death
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10
Q

What happens concluding a coronial investigation?

A

As part of an inquest police officers may be required to give evidence and be cross-examined on their roles leading up to the death were their roles and investigating and gathering evidence of the death.
- The coroner will draft a finding based on that evidence

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11
Q

What is the initial procedure when attending a sudden death?

A
  • Ensure safety to public, staff, Emergency services and contractors
  • Use PPE and take precautions
  • Check for signs of life and obvious signs of death, Conduct CPR
  • Inform supervisor of death ASAP
  • If this appears suspicious or self-inflicted or involves a child under two contact CIB/supervisor
  • Freeze, guard and preserve the scene until CIB arrive
  • A duly qualified person Complete a verification of death - We’re not possible Police must remain with the body
  • Deceased who was under treatment for an illness, a doctor or sign a certificate of death - If a doctor issues a certificate of death, Coroner does not have to be advised.
  • Family and if any concerns contact Coroner
  • Determine if the death is one that must be reported to the Coroner and if so notify them
  • Complete deceased person notification update in NIA
  • Make welfare referrals for staff.
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12
Q

Who is qualified to verify a death?

A

Registered medical practitioner, Nurse, Registered midwife, Paramedic, Emergency medical technician

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13
Q

Can Police leave the body when verification of death has not been signed?

A

No, this may require Police accompanying the supplier to another location to secure the document - File cannot be submitted without a VOD.

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14
Q

Can you comment to media about a death?

A

No. Seek advice from the Police media team and consult with a responsible Coroner in case where police wish to make comment in relation to an active coronial investigation

15
Q

What is the role of Police with identifying the body?

A

Until the Coroner satisfied that identification has been
established, the body will not be released

16
Q

If visual identification is not possible, what do you do?

A

Use a portrait facial identification photograph in Police forms and when a visual statement of identification is conducted

17
Q

What should you do if using visual ID?

A
  • Consider taking a photograph of deceased and attaching to statement of identification to show the appearance of the deceased. This may help as identification due to facial injury of deceased
  • Does the person look in death as they did in life?
  • If not consult with SAR and DVI for advice/attendance
  • Check NIA For fingerprints.Get authorisation from coroner and then contact local Soco To complete.
  • Odontology is run by SAR/DVI - authorisation from coroner
  • Consider comparison identification processes.Contact SAR/DVI
  • DNA -Request Authorisation from Coroner
18
Q

What is the procedure for a visual identification?

A
  • Arrange identification was family
  • Check it doesn’t clash with post-mortem
  • Check you have the body
  • Check the body is presentable and in suitable location
  • Complete the deceased person identification form
  • Take the Witness to the body and expose the face and Witness have an unhurried look
  • Ask questions - Do you identify this person? Have you any doubt? What was the address? How long have you known them?
  • Cover the body
  • if they identify them, ask them to sign the poll 265A Witness the signature
  • Complete the portrait facial identification photograph - Take the photograph on your phone
19
Q

What are some methods used to identify the body?

A
  • Fingerprints from Police records or fingerprints taken from objects known to have been handled by the person when alive
  • Medical examination including scars birthmarks, prothesis, x-rays, surgical wounds amputations tattoos implants
  • Personal effects from a full examination bills, phone details, letters passport drivers license denture records, evidence that the deceased resided at the address