2. Sudden Death Flashcards
Police ensure what under the direction of the Coroner?
- 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
What is the purpose of the coroners act 2006?
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
What is the Coroner’s role in relation to a death?
- 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
List the deaths that must be Reported to police?
- 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
S14 - A police officer who finds a body in New Zealand or receives a report of a death must do what?
S15 - Must report the death immediately to duty Coroner
What is the role of NIIO?
- 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
When a death is reported to the Coroner the Coroner has custody of the body. What does the coroner now determine?
- 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?
What happens when an enquiry is opened?
- 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
What situations is there a need for a formal hearing in the Coroners court - an inquest?
- 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
What happens concluding a coronial investigation?
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
What is the initial procedure when attending a sudden death?
- 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.
Who is qualified to verify a death?
Registered medical practitioner, Nurse, Registered midwife, Paramedic, Emergency medical technician
Can Police leave the body when verification of death has not been signed?
No, this may require Police accompanying the supplier to another location to secure the document - File cannot be submitted without a VOD.
Can you comment to media about a death?
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
What is the role of Police with identifying the body?
Until the Coroner satisfied that identification has been
established, the body will not be released
