Verification of Death

Question 1

What situations would allow a paramedic to opt out of verification of death?

Answer 1

• Putrefied corpse

- Heavily dismembered body

Question 2

What needs to be handed over in the SITREP?

Answer 2

• Initial assessment or cessation of resuscitation

Question 3

What needs to be attached with the verification of death form?

Answer 3

• Original verification to be left with deceased

- And a copy to be sent with a hard copy of ECG to printed PCR and taken to branch

Question 4

Can you verify death as a GAP

Answer 4

• No

Question 5

Can you verify death as a QAP but not on duty?

Answer 5

• NO

Question 6

Should you verify death if you are uncertain the Pt is dead?

Answer 6

• NO

Question 7

What should you check through verification of death?

Answer 7

• No palpable carotid pulse
• No heart sound heard for 2 minutes
• No breath sounds heard for 2 minutes
• Fixed – non responsive and dilated pupils
• No response to stimulus
• No motor control
• ECG strip shows no rhythm – asystole >2 min