The Coroners Act 1995 Flashcards
According to the Section 13, SCUMBIE states for
Deaths that must be reported: Suicide Cause unknown Unnatural/violent Medical/surgical Birth deaths Insttutional death Enactment requires the holding of an inquest
According to the Section 15, police have to
report the death immediately to the Coroner through the Coroner’s National Initial Investigation Office (NIIO)
Post-mortem is
examination of a person’s body to determine the cause of death.
A post-mortem is authorized by
the Coroner.
Section 33
Coroner has authority over who is present during a post-mortem.
The immediate family can object.
A coroner opens and conducts an inquiry for 3 main purposes
- Confirm the death, identify the person and cause of death, place where and when it occurred and circumstances of it.
- Recommendations that might prevent further occurrences of similar deaths.
- The public interest would be served by the death being investigated.
When deciding whether to hold an inquiry, the Coroner should consider:
a) whether or not the death was natural;
b) in case if death was unnatural/violent due to actions/inaction of any person;
c) allegations/rumours/suspicions/public concern about the death
d) whether drawing of attention to the circumstances of death can potentially reduce the occurrence of it in the future
e) if any immediate family member wants inquiry to be completed
A Coroner’s inquiry is
an investigation into the facts, causes and circumstances of the death.
Procedures to follow when examining the body in case of sudden death
- note its position
- note any factors that might have contributed to the death
- preserve evidence
- full details from witnesses
- safeguard the deceased’s property
- if suspect foul play, call CIB
- inform your supervisor ASAP
If the death is suspicious
free the scene!
Who can establish death
1) Doctor
2) Nurse
3) Ambulance officer
The Verification of Death form is
a document declaring that the person is dead.
If Doctor’s Certificate regarding the cause of death has been issued
then the Coroner or the Police does not have to be involved.
When someone dies, you must inform
1) Next of keen/relatives
2) Coroner/ NIIO
3) Station/Supervisor
Steps for initial examination
1) put gloves on
2) place the body on the trolley
3) make sure there are no hazards that can affect you
4) remove all clothing from the dead person - a witness should be present
5) closely examine the clothing
Secure property taken from the body in the following way:
1) parcel valuable and place them in the station safe
2) other property - in the property room
3) label all parcels clearly
4) ask family what to do with clothing. For Maori - pack and give it back through Iwi Liaison.
If the body is deadly decomposed
more than visual identification must be used: fingerprints, DNA, Dental.
Initial Report to Coroner - POL 47
summary in chronological order, covering all the details and circumstances surrounding the death.
POL 47a
to be used in the case of sudden unexplained death in infancy.
For certain deaths the following parties should be involved
- involving aircrafts - Civil Aviation Authority
- involving railways - Land Transport NZ
- boring/shipping - Maritime New Zealand
- industrial accidents - Occupational Safety and Health
- child/youth in CYPFS care - Regional Director CYPFS
- Deceased Person Notification/drowning - notification to PNHQ
