General Protocols

Question 1

BLS Obvious Death Criteria

Answer 1

• Decapitation
• Decomposition
• Incineration of torso and/or head
• Exposure, destruction and/or separation of the brain or heart from the body
• Rigor mortis - if determination of death is based on rigor mortis, EMS personnel must 1) confirm muscle rigidity of the jaw by attempting to open the mouth & 2) confirm muscle rigidity of one arm by attempting to move the extremity

Question 2

ALS Probable Death Criteria

Answer 2

• Lividity or Livor Mortis & Cardiac monitor showing asystole in two (2) leads
• Blunt or penetrating trauma & cardiac monitor showing asystole in two leads (2)
• Blunt trauma & cardiac monitor showing PEA at a rate ≤40/min