OFO6 - CORONERS ACT & SUDDEN DEATH

Question 1

What is the acronym used for deaths that must be reported?

Answer 1

SCUMBIE

Question 2

What does SCUMBIE stand for?

Answer 2

Suicide 
Cause Unknown 
Unnatural or violent death 
Medial operation or procedure 
Birth deaths or during pregnancy 
Institutional deaths 
Enactment deaths (the law dictates reporting)

Question 3

Who is a Coroner?

Answer 3

A person specifically appointed to enquire into the manner of death of any person in any case.

Question 4

What is included in the first purpose of any inquest?

Answer 4

(Hears evidence to establish identity and the facts of the death)

• The FACT that a person has died
• The IDENTITY of the deceased
• The CAUSE of death
• WHERE and WHEN the death occurred
• The CIRCUMSTANCES of the death

Question 5

What is the second purpose of an inquest?

Answer 5

May make comment for public consumption to prevent an incident reoccurring.

Question 6

What is the third purpose for an inquest?

Answer 6

May recommend further enquiry by an investigating authority.

Question 7

In what cases MUST an inquest be held?

Answer 7

• Suicide
• Any institutional deaths
• Any death where the cause of circumstances of death have not yet been clearly established

Question 8

What is a Post-mortem?

Answer 8

An examination of a persons body to determine the cause of death. A Post-mortem is authorised by the Coroner, who directs a pathologist to perform the examination.

Question 9

Who is authorised to issue a Verification of Death Certificate?

Answer 9

A Doctor, Nurse, or Paramedic/ Ambulance officer.

Question 10

What are the 2 ways to see the identification of a deceased person?

Answer 10

• Through a formal identification by a close relative or other acquaintance.
• Through forensic identification

Question 11

What does NIIO stand for?

Answer 11

National Initial Investigation Office