OC Body

Question 1

Before moving a body, what are the details of the body that need to be recorded?

Answer 1

• position of all limbs
• appearance of body
• wounds and clothing
• direction of trails of blood on body
• lividity if present
• extent of rigor mortis

Question 2

What precautions should be taken with the clothing before moving a body?

Answer 2

Ensure clothing on body is not contaminated by contact with foreign objects and is air dried.

Question 3

What are the duties upon arrival at mortuary?

Answer 3

1. Ensure mortuary staff don’t wash body
2. Ensure body labeled and secured in secure mortuary fridge
3. Retain key used to secure body until required for PM
4. Ensure body remains in present condition until commencement of PM
5. Arrange formal ID of body

Question 4

What steps must be followed when stripping the body?

Answer 4

1. Body only stripped in presence of pathologist
2. Remove body from secure mortuary fridge and assist mortuary staff to take body to PM exam room
3. Remove body from body bag causing minimal disturbance to body
4. Take possession of body bag and sheets, wrappings used to transport body as exhibits
5. Direct police photographer to take photos of body before and after disrobing
6. Remove clothing. Avoid cutting. Search pockets and make inventory.
7. Make inventory of clothing and possessions as its removed
8. Label each item of clothing and possession
9. Seal each item in different bag or container
10. Ensure exhibits don’t cross contaminate by coming into contact with each other
11. Maintain security and continuity of body and exhibits until PM exam commences
12. In cases involving serious head trauma consider placing fine sieve in mortuary table drain hole to collect trace evidence that may have transferred from weapon

Question 5

What is the purpose of a postmortem?

Answer 5

Cause of death…PRIMARY REASON
How injuries and events at scene may have contributed to death
Areas of interest for subsequent interviews of witnesses and suspects
Identify victim if ID not yet established
Nature and size of weapon used

Stature and height of suspect
Negate possible defences
Mode and time of death