Death In Field/Clearing The Scene

Question 1

Why has PF&R units seen an increased length of scene time on death scenes?

Answer 1

Limited availability of law enforcement to respond

Question 2

What are the 2 negative effects of increased scene length for PF&R units?

Answer 2

1. Decrease our response reliability
2. Potentially negative downstream effect to community since crews not readily available to respond

Question 3

For a death scene requiring a Medical examiner response, what 2 people must be notified? 3 if needed?

Answer 3

1. Request Law enforcement response
2. Notify Medical examiner
3. Request TIP volunteer if needed

Question 4

How do you request the response?

Answer 4

Through BOEC (dispatch)

Question 5

Why do we request law enforcement?

Answer 5

To secure the scene

Question 6

After requesting law enforcement, what 3 steps should you follow regarding law enforcement?

Answer 6

1. Request an ETA on law enforcement
2. If no law enforcement has been assigned and no ETA, request a law enforcement SERGEANT call the app cell phone, ask for response and ETA
3. Inform law enforcement we will be clearing 20 mins after contacting Medical examiner

Question 7

How many minutes must you stay on scene waiting before you can clear?

Answer 7

20 minutes

Question 8

What 2 things must you complete on scene before you clear the scene?

Answer 8

1. Mark location of DECEDENT
   (e.g. fire line tape on bedroom door)
2. Add comment on MDT

Question 9

When adding MDT comment, what 3 things must you state?

Answer 9

1. All DIF NOTIFICATIONS have been completed
2. Scene is SECURED
3. Engine “X” is clearing per PF&R policy

Question 10

How do you get the Medical examiner to contact you?

Answer 10

Notify through BOEC and request a call back on the apparatus cell phone

Question 11

When talking to Medical examiner on the phone, what 2 main info do you tell them?

Answer 11

1. Report all pertinent info, including pt doctor, medical, pmhx, anything useful
2. PF&R will be clearing scene 20 mins after notifying Medical examiner and law enforcement

Question 12

If neither Medical examiner or law enforcement have arrived after 20 mins, who must you notify before you can clear the scene?

Answer 12

On duty BATTALION CHIEF

Question 13

What will the Battalion Chief do?

Answer 13

1. Verify notifications have been made
2. Ascertain no extenuating circumstance requiring us to remain on scene

Question 14

If there are family members/resident remaining on scene, what must you remind them of?

Answer 14

Do not tamper with scene or decedent
(may be under investigation)

Question 15

Should you inform any family member/resident that medical examiner and/or law enforcement may be responding?

Answer 15

YES

Question 16

Under what 4 circumstances are you NOT allowed to clear the scene?

Answer 16

1. Unable to complete procedure/notifications
2. Suspected crime scene
3. In public place
4. Company officer judgement

Question 17

What is good example of Company officer judgement?

Answer 17

Remaining would reduce death impact on family members/bereaved individuals

Question 18

What are 4 examples of a suspected crime scene? Think abuse…

Answer 18

Elder abuse
Child abuse
Domestic abuse
Assault