OF16 Coroner and Sudden Death Flashcards
What is the purpose of the Coroner?
A person specially appointed to enquire into the manner of death of any person in any case where the Coroners Act 2006 requires the death to be reported to him or her.
What rank is equivalent to a Coroner? and how do you address a Coroner?
A District Court judge, Sir or Ma’am.
What deaths must be reported to a Coroner?
Suicides Cause unknown Unnatural or violent Medical or dental procedure Birth or pregnancy deaths Institutional deaths Enactment requires holding of an inquest
When are the Police required to report a SCUMBIE death to the coroner?
Immediately
How do you contact the Coroner?
By phoning the National initial Investigation Office 24/7 number.
Who decides if a post-mortem is required?
The Coroner will request a pathologist if a post mortem is required.
What are the three purposes for a Coroner inquest?
Documentation and looking into what is established.
Make recommendations.
To determine whether the public interest would be served in the investigating of the death.
What are the five key parts of information to establish in an inquest and how are they documented?
The fact that a person has died - Verification of Death (Cor31)
The identity of the deceased - Deceased person identification form (POL 265A)
The cause of death - pathologists’ report
Where and when the death occurred - POL 47 (initial report for Coroner)
The circumstances of death - statements, job sheets, depositions (collected by Police)
When called out to a sudden death, what should you do when initially examining the body?
note its position
note any factors appearing to have attributed to it’s death
preserve evidence
obtain full details from witnesses
safeguard the deceased’s property
if unsure and suspect foul play - freeze, control, preserve the scene and call CIB.
inform your supervisor you are attending
Who can establish death and what do they issue?
A Verification of Death Declaration (Cor31) can be issued by;
A registered medical practioner (doctor)
Nurse
Paramedic
When might the Coroner not be advised?
if the doctor of a deceased person who was attending the ill person before they died is happy to fill out a medical certificate as to cause of death.
Who moves the body from the place of death to the mortuary and who arranges it?
When a deceased body is found, NIIO will arrange the on duty funeral director to move the body to a mortuary as directed by the coroner.
Who needs to be informed of a sudden death?
Relatives or next of kin
Coroner via NIIA, unless a doctor signs a cause of death certificate
Police comms and your Sergeant
Can a body leave Police control without a verification of death?
No
What is the most common form of identifying the deceased?
Visual, someone close to the deceased views the body in the presence of a constable and confirms the identity. Can be done at scene or at an approved facility.
