Death Flashcards
How do you go about gaining entry and who would you inform?
Contact control and request the police
If safe, gain access and inform control
Access through the most suitable place
How do you confirm death has taken place?
Follow ROLE guidelines
Provide an ECG strip for asystole for 30 seconds
See if there are any obvious indications of death
Difference between confirming death and certifying death
Confirming death is finding out if the patient has died, medically with the use of an ECG etc
Certifying death is providing a legal document/ certificate to say the individual has died.
Who can certify death and who can confirm it?
Confirm- Para, Tech
Certify- GP, coroner
When may a doctor provide a death certificate?
If the patient has been to see them within the last 2 weeks
The patient is terminally ill and death is expected
What makes a death suspicious?
Signs of trauma
Damaged property
Violence (bruising)
Injuries (cuts)
What do you have to be mindful of when at a crime scene?
Not to contaminate the scene
Trace steps carefully
Who would take responsibility of the body in non-suspicious circumstances?
A responsible family member
Crew can take the body mortuary
Wait for the mortuary men (coroners) to arrive
When handing over a patient to the mortuary what will you need to witness?
Removal of clothing, articles, and jewellery
A signature will be required
What paperwork is completed when confirming a death has taken place?
PRF/EPRF
30 second strip of asystole
Confirmation of death form
Copies faxed to control who then forward it to police and coroner
Why is it important to take the child to hospital even if resuscitation isn’t taking place?
Specialist resources available
Investigating the death can occur
Social workers there
Doctors and nurses who are mores specialised
