Lecture 26 Sudden Death

Question 1

WHAT IS A SUDDEN DEATH?

Answer 1

• Sudden and unexpected death in any circumstances.
• Where a doctor will not issue a death certificate.
• Post-Mortem or inquest required by the coroner

Question 2

WHO’S PROFESSIONALLY INVOLVED?

Answer 2

• Police
• Ambulance service paramedic
• Private ambulance staff
• Mortuary staff
• Coroners Officer
• H.M Coroner

Question 3

OUR RESPONSIBILITIES AT EVERY SUDDEN DEATH?

Answer 3

• We have to wear two hats…
• Supportive, empathic and professional with the bereaved, but…
• Professionally curious in looking for signs of a ‘suspicious’ death.
• Scene examination/preservation
• Identification of the deceased.
• Collect information for the coroner.

Question 4

SUDDEN DEATHS ‘AT HOME’ – RESPONSIBILITIES…?

Answer 4

• Paramedic pronounces ‘life extinct’
• Ascertain circumstances from family/friends/carers
• Examine the scene tactfully
• Thoroughly search the body
• Identification to you by a suitable person – complete documentation
• Arrange private ambulance
• Collect information for sudden death report – GEN 18 - via your device
• Treat the bereaved with compassion, empathy & dignity

Question 5

SUSPECTED SUICIDE - RESPONSIBILITIES?

Answer 5

• Don’t become a casualty!
• Preserve the scene and secure any evidence – arrange C.S.I
• Fully investigate the circumstances leading to the death
• Formal identification
• There will be an inquest – prepare the investigation file
• Attend Coroners Court if required

Question 6

SUDDEN DEATH OF CHILDREN - RESPONSIBILITIES?

Answer 6

• Preserve the scene and secure evidence – with tact and compassion
• Ensure C.S.I attendance and that your own supervisor is aware
• Prevent interference of both the body and the scene
• Investigation will be conducted by a supervisory detective – but you’re it till they arrive
• Make thorough notes of what you find and what you’re told

Question 7

INDUSTRIAL DEATH - RESPONSIBILITIES?

Answer 7

• H.S.E has primary responsibility for the investigation
• Secure scene and evidence
• Prevent contamination, alteration or interference
• Establish identity
• Establish the circumstances and any witnesses
• Arrange C.S.I

Question 8

THE PERILS OF PROPERTY…?

Answer 8

• Security of the premises

* Safekeeping of valuables

Question 9

SUDDEN DEATH REPORT – GEN 18?

Answer 9

• Completed on your device and sent to the coroner’s officer
• Detailed information – carefully compiled
• A difficult time for the bereaved – be sensitive