Sudden Death

Question 1

What types of deaths must be referred to the Coroner?

Answer 1

SCUMBIE:

• Suicide
• Cause Unknown
• Unnatural Causes
• Medical or Surgical
• Birth deaths
• Institutional deaths
• Enactment requires it

Question 2

What are the 3 purposes of an inquiry?

Answer 2

First purpose is to establish: 
-the fact a person has died 
-the identity
-the cause of death
-where and when death occurred
-circumstances of death
Second purpose:
-to make recommendations to reduce the chances of the occurrence of similar deaths in similar circumstances
Third purpose:
-to determine whether public interest would be served by the death being investigated

Question 3

What deaths must have an inquest?

Answer 3

• suicide
• institutional deaths
• any death that the Coroner is not satisfied the cause or circumstances are clear

Question 4

What is the Coroner?

Answer 4

A person specially appointed to enquire into the manner of death of any person in any case where the Coroners Act 2006 requires that the death be reported to him/her.

Question 5

What are the basic procedures for Police attending a sudden death?

Answer 5

-Request Ambulance/administer first aid
Examine body:
-note its position
-note any factors appearing to have contributed to death
-preserve evidence
-obtain full details from witnessess
-safeguard the deceased property
-if you suspect foul play call CIB and freeze the scene
-inform supervisor

Question 6

What documentation is required for a 1S file?

Answer 6

• Police 258
• Initial Report for Coroner (POL 47 or 47A)
• Verification of Death form (COR31)
• Deceased Person Identification Form (POL 265A)
• Property Record Sheet (POL 268)
• Statements from people who:
  - last saw the person alive
  - found the deceased
  - can provide relevant background history

Question 7

Who are the 3 people who need to be informed of a 1S?

Answer 7

Relatives
Coroner/NIIO
Police Station- give SITREP