TB 100 DETERMINATION OF DEATH Flashcards
TB 100 DETERMINATION OF DEATH
Obviously dead patients are defined as persons who, in addition to the absence of respirations, cardiac activity, and
neurological reflexes, have suffered one or more of the following conditions:
· POST-MORTEM LIVIDITY (LIVOR MORTIS)
· RIGOR MORTIS
· MASSIVE CRUSH AND/OR PENETRATING INJURY WITH EVISCERATION OF THE HEART, LUNG, OR BRAIN
· DECAPITATION
· DECOMPOSITION
· INCINERATION
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TB 100 DETERMINATION OF DEATH
Post-mortem lividity is the reddish, purple discoloration of the skin seen in the dependant parts of a deceased body.
Post-mortem lividity generally appears with a gradual onset, but not less than 30 minutes. Post-mortem lividity is very noticeable after 4 hours and becomes prominent after 8 to 12 hours.
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TB 100 DETERMINATION OF DEATH
Post-mortem rigor is the stiffening of the muscles of the body after death.
generally occurs within 2 hours after death. Post-mortem rigor affects the entire body within 10 to 12 hours and dissipates generally after 48 hours.
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TB 100 DETERMINATION OF DEATH
When members are evaluating a patient with post mortem rigor or lividity to determine life status, they must ensure that a proper patient assessment is completed. A proper assessment includes:
• Assuring that the patient has an open airway by looking, listening, and feeling for respirations.
This assessment shall include auscultation of the lungs for a minimum of 30 seconds.
- Assessment of cardiac status by palpating the carotid pulse for a minimum of 60 seconds and auscultating the apical pulse for a minimum of 60 seconds.
- Assessment of the neurological reflexes by checking for pupil response with a penlight or flashlight. The patient shall also be examined for a response to painful stimuli.
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814
Pulseless, non-breathing victims with extrication time greater than _____ minutes, where no resuscitative measures can be performed prior to extrication.
fifteen
