Are they dead?

Question 1

What is death?

Answer 1

Irreversible loss of cerebral function with brain-stem death, spontaneous respiration cannot occur and circulation will cease

Question 2

Why is it difficult to confirm patients as dead if they have a low body temp?

Answer 2

Hypothermia mimics death

Question 3

How to test for death

Answer 3

• Verbal/painful stimulus
• Eyes - fixed and non-reactive - tests brainstem function
• Heart - feel for pulse for 2 mins and listen to heart for 2 mins
• Listen to lungs for 2 mins
• Leave patient to rest

Question 4

What criteria must you fill to be able to complete a MCDD

Answer 4

In attendance during the deceased’s last illness and within 14 days of death

Question 5

Reasons for coroner referral

Answer 5

• Not seen by a doctor within 14 days of dying
• Death is unnatural
• Death is due to accident/self-neglect on behalf of others
• Death is due to employment/operation/post-operative period
• Death due to an abortion
• Death may be suicide
• Cause of death unknown
• Sudden or unexpected death

Question 6

Completing a death certificate

Answer 6

• 1a is the immediate cause of death
• 1b is disease/condition leading to 1a
• 1c lead to 1b
• 2 is a disease/condition contributing to death but not causing it