Coronors Act And Sudden Death

Question 1

What types of death should be reported top the coroner?

Answer 1

Suicide
Cause unknown or no doctors certificate
Unnatural or violent death
Medical, surgical or dental operation or procedure
Birth deaths or deaths that appear to be a result of pregnancy or giving birth
Institutional death (psychiatric hospital, children’s home or prison, or while in police custody)
Enactment requires the holding of an inquest (alcohol and drug addiction act etc)

Question 2

What is the acronym for remembering deaths that must be reported?

Answer 2

SCUMBIE

Question 3

The coroner conducts an inquest to establish what?

Answer 3

The fact that the person has died
The identity of the deceased
The cause of death
Where and when the death occurred
The circumstances of the death

Question 4

Who is a coroner and what functions do they perform?

Answer 4

The coroner is a person specially appointed to enquire into the manner of death of any person in any case where the coroners act 2006 requires that the death be reported to him/her.
A coroners inquires is an investigation into the facts, causes and circumstances of the death. It is not to determine civil, criminal or disciplinary liability.

Question 5

What circumstances must a coroner hold an inquest?

Answer 5

Suicide
Institutional deaths
Any death by which the coroner is not satisfied of the circumstances around the death

Question 6

What are the three purposes of an inquest?

Answer 6

1 - to identify the fact, identity, cause, where and when and the circumstances in relation to the death
2 - make recommendations that, if drawn to public attention, reduce chances of the occurrence of other deaths in circumstances similar in which the death occurred
3 - determine whether the public interest would be served by the death being investigated

Question 7

Who can certify the death of a person?

Answer 7

Registered medical practitioner
Registered nurse
Registered midwife
Intensive care paramedic
Paramedic
Emergency medical technician