Sudden Death Flashcards
Deaths are normally reported to the police under what circumstances?
Deaths are normally reported to the police under the following circumstances:
Medical personnel are called to attend a person who has collapsed, or suffered an accident, and died.
Members of the public find a body in an open area.
Someone checks private premises because of a change of habits or the occupants have not been seen for some time.
What are the procedures for examining a body at the scene?
Procedures for examining a body at the scene:
Note its position.
Note any factors appearing to have contributed toward the death.
Preserve evidence.
Obtain full details from witnesses (statements).
Safeguard the deceased’s property.
If you suspect foul play, call CIB and take the action outlined in “Initial Action”.
Always inform your supervisor as soon as possible that you are attending.
Establishing death, or life extinct, can only be pronounced by who?
A registered medical practitioner,
OR
Duly qualified and registered paramedic.
What do you do when you come across what looks like a suspicious death?
FREEZE / CONTROL / PRESERVE and seek further assistance.
DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING
What is a POL265?
Deceased Persons Certificate (POL265)
Is a written document stating that the person is dead.
It is signed by a registered medical practitioner or duly qualified registered paramedic.
Medical certificate as to cause of death is issued by a doctor who was attending to the deceased before the death. i.e. long term illness.
Who must you inform of a death?
People to advise of a death are:
Relatives
Notify Next of Kin immediately, if their whereabouts and sufficient details of the incident are known.
Should be made personally by
A Police Constable,
A good family friend
A minster of religion
Coroner
Notification made by constable or Sergeant as soon as details become available.
Use a telephone out of hearing from the bereaved relatives.
Station
Operations room or watch house and give a SITREP.
What Mortuary Procedures should you follow?
Mortuary Procedures
Safety first - gloves on.
Place on slab or trolley.
Remove all clothing & jewellery in presence of witness (POL268).
Clean body of blood and secretions.
Search body for injuries noting extent and position.
Toe tag.
Enter deceased’s details into the register.
If a suspected disease carrier or drug user, put warning on the sheet covering the body.
What Identity Procedure should you follow?
Identity Procedure
View yourself to ensure body is presentable.
Body to be formally identified by close relative or friend.
If at home, get ID before leaving.
Deceased person identification form (POL265a) taken from identifying witness.
If badly mutilated or decomposed, fingerprint, DNA, dental where appropriate.
The police report to Coroner (POL47) is a quadruplicate form, who gets copies?
Report to Coroner (POL47)
Quadruplicate form, one copy goes to the each of the following:
The coroner
The pathologist
ACC
Police file
What do you need to include in the file for a sudden death?
Preparing the file
Police 258 Report Form
Report for Coroner (POL 47 and 47A)
Deceased Person Certificate (POL 265)
Deceased Person Identification Form (POL 265A)
Property Record Sheet (POL 268)
