OF16 Sudden Death

Question 1

What is the list of things to do when attending a 1S (Sudden Death)?

Answer 1

1. Undertake first aid if appropriate
   • make every effort not to contaminate the scene
2. Carry out initial scene examination
   • freeze, control, preserve. Eliminate foul play, otherwise call CIB
3. Verify death has occurred
   • only a doctor, nurse, ambo officer are authorised to issue a verification of death form
4. Obtain a medical certificate as to cause of death
   • if their doctor is willing to sign the cause off
5. Formally identify the deceased
   • a close relative or other acquaintance verify the identity in your presence
   • forensic identification
6. Remove the deceased to the mortuary
   • inform NIIO National Initial Investigation Officer
   • inform funeral director
   Allow time for family to grieve and say their last goodbyes

Order of events may differ as appropriate.

Question 2

First steps in the mortuary procedure?

Answer 2

• PPE
• beware of injuries that pose as hazards
• remove clothing and property in presence of a witness
• examine clothing and property for valuables

Question 3

Body examination?

Answer 3

• examine body for injuries/marks etc
• carefully record their extent and position
• clean the body of blood and other secretions
Before cleaning, Check local procedures.
Some areas want the body left undisturbed.

Question 4

Labelling the body?

Answer 4

• Police are responsible for labelling the body
• photograph the completed label, include in 1S file
• ensure label details are correctly recorded on POL47

Question 5

Deceased body property?

Answer 5

• itemise property as personal or exhibits
• personal property should be removed and returned to the family personally or through their funeral director
• exhibits may be retained with the deceased for the post-mortem or secured for later consideration

Question 6

Release of the body?

Answer 6

• when a death is one Police just report to the Coroner, the Coroner has exclusive right to the custody of the body
• the Coroner will determine when the body can be released to the N.O.K
• if N.O.K request early release, or to remain near the deceased they should be given the NIIO number to negotiate this themselves

Question 7

Hygiene requirements?

Answer 7

• must observe strict hygiene protocols
• wear all PPE made available by the funeral director
• wash hands and exposed flesh
• seek advice from experts of unsure

Question 8

Cultural considerations?

Answer 8

• whanau will want to accompany tupapaku along their journey
• there may be a karakia and openly expressed grief
• consider iwi rules and traditions
- No hats/backsides on tables
- pillows for sleeping not sitting

On arrival at the scene
• introduce yourself, where you are from, why you are here
• ask about cultural issues

If you are unsure, ASK

Question 9

Keeping the whanau informed?

Answer 9

• explain the journey their loved one will take, the process they will be involved in.
• give you contact details, and those of the Iwi Liaison Officer.
• explain their right to object to a post-mortem and to request their loved one back asap (s33 Coroners Act)
• they may wish to carry their tupapaku to the hearse