Death Certification

Question 1

What are the criteria for death

Answer 1

Pupils fixed and dilated
No ventilation observed/breath sounds on auscultation - 3 minutes
No central pulse palpable - 1 minute
No heart sounds on auscultation - 1 minute

Question 2

When can you fill out a death certificate

Answer 2

Seen patient in last 14 days before death and after death
Must have provided care in last illness before death
Must be registered medical practitioner
Must have ‘knowledge and belief’ of cause of death

Question 3

Parts of death certificate

Answer 3

Ia - immediate cause of death (cardiac arrest)

Ib - condition leading to Ia (Pulmunoary thromboembolism)

Ic - condition leading to Ib (Deep vein thrombosis)

Give as much information as possible

Question 4

Refer to coroner if

Answer 4

In hospital < 24 hours
Unknown cause
In custody
Any suspicious circumstances
Any drugs involved
Acute alcohol
Industrial deaths
Any blame
Following accident
After operation