Causes of Death Flashcards
How do you physically confirm death?
Pulse, heartbeat, pupil dilation, respiration
If you are not able to identify whether a person is dead or not who is called to investigate?
The procurator fiscal (or coroner elsewhere?
When can a death certificate be issued?
Only a GMC registered medical doctor can issue certificate, relatives take death certificate to registrar’s office, has to be done within 8 days (in Scotland)
What happens if cremation is opted for?
A cremation certificate is required
If not cremated what happens to the body?
It is buried
What certificate is given after the body is dead?
Certificate of disposal is given
Who is the proscurator fiscal?
Prosecution of crimes
Investigation of deaths, expected and unexpected
Not involved with the most serious crimes (rape and murder)
What do coroners do?
Hold inquests (Scotland hold FAIs): conducted entirely by coroner, sits with jury for deaths at work or in custody, 1 of 9 verditcs will be determined Has to pass onto CPS (crown prosecution service) if criminal case
What are coroners?
->850 years, old system
Limited to investigation of sudden and unexpected deaths
No role in investigating/ prosecuting crime
Additional role in investigating deaths where person had not been seen by doctor in past 14 days
What are the options for verdict of death?
- Natural Causes: heart disease, illness
- Suicide
- Accident/ misadventure
- Industrial disease: e.g. asbestos related lung disease
- Drug dependency: e.g. heroin
- Lack of care: e.g. in care homes
- Lawful killing; e.g. suspected terrorism, reason to suspect person would cause damage to others
- Unlawful killing: against the law, murder
- Open: undecided
What are the causes of death in Scotland?
- Natural Causes
- Alcohol abuse
- Suicide
- Accident
- Drug abuse
- Homicide
- Other
What is cardiovascular disease classified as when it is a cause of death?
Natural disease
What causes cardiovascular disease?
heart disease
coronary artery disease: end artery (supplies heart muscles) results in myocardial infarction, chronic electrical instability, amenable to bypass surgery
When does cardiovascular disease begin?
Formation of plaques begins at 2 years old, much of it arises from genetics
What is the process of cardiovascular disease?
micro damage → inflammation of blood vessels → monocytes are attracted to injury, become macrophages → become foamy → platelets arrive to try repair → platelets build up and become fibrous
