Scene Investigation Flashcards
True or False: Death Investigators must respond to every scene where a death has occurred.
False, not every scene requires the response of an investigator.
(KW)
What are some examples that could make a scene not require a Coroner/Death Investigator to respond to it?
A clearly natural death, a scene without concerns (nothing appears suspicious or unusual), the next of kin is notified and/or present, and that has the decedents PCP (primary care physician) agreeing to certify the death certificate.
(KW)
True or False: A Coroners vehicle is equipped with lights and sirens like other first responding vehicles.
True, although they are not used as often as other first responders’ lights and sirens are.
(KW)
What are some examples of scenes where the lights and sirens on a Coroners vehicle are to be used?
When evidence may be at risk (such as an outdoor scene that is exposed to elements like rain), scenes that are on toll roadways, and anywhere that a scene may be blocking major routes of traffic, or may be causing danger to people around it.
(KW)
What is the very first thing you should do when you arrive to a scene?
Document your time of arrival to the scene.
(KW)
T or F: The coroner’s office can release the decedent’s medical records to the family.
False, the records do not belong to the coroner’s office, so they cannot release them (HS)
Why are pictures taken of the decedent’s lower eyelids?
To check for petechial hemorrhaging (HS)
Why is it important to take all photographs before anything is moved at the scene?
Once something has been moved, even if it placed back in the same position, the scene had been altered (HS)
T or F: Photos should be checked before the scene is left.
True, it is important to make sure the photographs are clear and tell the story of the scene (HS)
What is the rule of thirds?
Divide the decedent’s body into thirds when photographing (HS)
T or F: You should always rush to take pictures of the body and scene.
AR
False, you should never rush to take any pictures on the scene
What circumstance involve a corner reseponse?
AR
signs of trauma, died/lived alone, suspicious findings & drug use
what is the purpose of scene investigation?
AR
To deteremine the cause & manner, if there’s sufficient reason to believe the death resulted from criminal act
What are the signs of death?
AR
no carotid or radial pulse
pupils fixed, dialated and nonreactive
absence of breathing
How do you secure the body?
AR
Secure transportation, ID the body bag, supervise the evidence and removal of remains
What are different classes in relation to dispatch?
Class 1: Emergency response
Class 2: Less urgent
Class 3: Not Urgent
Class 4: Deceased Person
(NA)
Can police determine the manner of death?
No. The job of the police officers are to maintain the integrity of the scene and to investigate what may have happened.
(NA)
What are some questions to ask EMS, police, and medical staff to get information?
Did they live alone?
Are there signs of trauma?
Drugs or alcohol use?
Medical history?
EMS involvement?
(NA)
What are 5 steps to take once on scene?
Document time of arrival
Locate the primary contact
Obtain/confirm info
Identify who is on scene
determine needed equipment
(NA)
What should you look for when walking through a scene?
Signs of trauma
weapons
signs of struggle
inconsistent findings (blood patters, lividity, rigor)
Drug paraphernalia
(NA)
