O/C Body

Question 1

Duties when arriving at mortuary(ME BRA)

Answer 1

Mortuary staff do not wash the body
Ensure the body is labelled and secure in mortuary fridge

Body remains in its present condition until the PM
Retain any key used to secure the body until the PM
Arrange formal ID of body

Question 2

Stripping the body

Answer 2

1 The body must be stripped in the presence of the pathologist
2 Remove the body from the secure mortuary fridge take the body into the PM exam room
3 Remove from the body bag, minimal disturbance to the body
4 Exhibit of the body bag, sheets, wrappings used to transport the body
5 Direct a police photographer to take photos of the body before clothing is removed, and after the clothes are removed; pathologist will lead direction of the photographer
6 Remove items of clothing from the body, avoid cutting clothing from the body, however if unavoidable, cut where the least evidence is present
Search clothing, list items removed and where from
7 268 - clothing and possessions removed from body
8 Label each item of clothing and each possession
9 Seal each item in a different bag do not cross-contaminate.
10 Maintain security and continuity of the body and exhibits until the PM starts
11 With head trauma case, before washing the head and body, Place a fine sieve in the mortuary table drain hole to collect trace evidence which may be linked to offenders weapon.

Question 3

Purpose of the post mortem (DEAD PINE)

Answer 3

Determine the mode and time of death
Establish how injuries and/or events at the scene contributed to death
Approximate height and stature of the suspect
Determine the nature and size of the weapon used

Provide areas of interest for subsequent interviews of witnesses and/or suspects
Identify the victim if identity has not been established
Negate possible defences
Establish cause of death