Sudden death

Question 1

Who is qualified to verify death?

Answer 1

• Registered Medical practitioner
• Nurse – Practitioner, Registered or Enrolled
• Registered Midwife
• Intensive Care Paramedic
• Paramedic
• Emergency Medical Technician.

Question 2

What is the hierarchy of identification?

Answer 2

1. Visual ID If visually identifiable and there is an appropriate person to
   complete:
   * Consider taking a photograph of deceased and attaching
   to the Statement of Identification at the time
   identification occurs to illustrate the appearance of the
   deceased.
   * Photograph may help as ID may be questioned by
   coroner due to facial injury of deceased.
   * Does the person look in death as they did in life?
   * If not consult with on call SAR for DVI advice and or
   attendance.
2. Fingerprints Check NIA for AFIS – contact local SOCO to complete:
   * Request authorisation from coroner
3. Odontology The forensic evaluation of dental evidence:
   * Request authorisation from coroner
   Odontology after consultation with coroner is run by
   SAR/DVI – consult Duty SAR to engage DVI staff.
4. Comparison
   identification
   process
   Contact Duty SAR to engage DVI staff.
5. DNA Request authorisation from coroner.