O/C Body

Question 1

Responsibilities

Answer 1

1) Ensure death certified
2) maintain security & continuity of body, samples, exhibits from scene to start of post mortem.
3) Secure and guard the body, body samples and any exhibits with dignity and respect
4) Note and record observations relating to body
5) Details of medical staff attending to body
6) Record actions that have been taken in respect to body
7) Establish if body has been moved or disturbed
8) Ensure photography
9) Authority from O/C investigation to transport body to mortuary
10) Complete sudden death procedures
11) Arrange formal ID of body
12) Obtain historical medical records
13) Attend the post mortem
14) Attend the de-brief of pathologist and record the findings
15) Ensure all cultural responsibilities have been addressed.

Question 2

Discovery of a body

Answer 2

1) Record the position by sketch plan and direct Police photographer
2) In consultation consider marking and recording the position of the body
3) Record all details of the position of the body
4) Consider health risks of handling body
5) Cover the hands, feet and head with paper bags and secure with tape.
6) Ensure clothing on the body is not contaminated by contact with foreign objects
7) wrap body in plastic sheet and place in body bag
8) carefully search under area where body lay
9) Retain as exhibits all sheets, bags, or other materials used to transport body.
10) Obtain approval to remove body from scene
11) use contracted undertaker to remove to the mortuary. Ensure continuity until post-mortem. All equipment is sterile.