The Coroners Act 1995

Question 1

According to the Section 13, SCUMBIE states for

Answer 1

Deaths that must be reported:
Suicide
Cause unknown
Unnatural/violent
Medical/surgical
Birth deaths
Insttutional death
Enactment requires the holding of an inquest

Question 2

According to the Section 15, police have to

Answer 2

report the death immediately to the Coroner through the Coroner’s National Initial Investigation Office (NIIO)

Question 3

Post-mortem is

Answer 3

examination of a person’s body to determine the cause of death.

Question 4

A post-mortem is authorized by

Answer 4

the Coroner.

Question 5

Section 33

Answer 5

Coroner has authority over who is present during a post-mortem.

The immediate family can object.

Question 6

A coroner opens and conducts an inquiry for 3 main purposes

Answer 6

1. Confirm the death, identify the person and cause of death, place where and when it occurred and circumstances of it.
2. Recommendations that might prevent further occurrences of similar deaths.
3. The public interest would be served by the death being investigated.

Question 7

When deciding whether to hold an inquiry, the Coroner should consider:

Answer 7

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

Question 8

A Coroner’s inquiry is

Answer 8

an investigation into the facts, causes and circumstances of the death.

Question 9

Procedures to follow when examining the body in case of sudden death

Answer 9

• 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

Question 10

If the death is suspicious

Answer 10

free the scene!

Question 11

Who can establish death

Answer 11

1) Doctor
2) Nurse
3) Ambulance officer

Question 12

The Verification of Death form is

Answer 12

a document declaring that the person is dead.

Question 13

If Doctor’s Certificate regarding the cause of death has been issued

Answer 13

then the Coroner or the Police does not have to be involved.

Question 14

When someone dies, you must inform

Answer 14

1) Next of keen/relatives
2) Coroner/ NIIO
3) Station/Supervisor

Question 15

Steps for initial examination

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Secure property taken from the body in the following way:

Answer 16

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.

Question 17

If the body is deadly decomposed

Answer 17

more than visual identification must be used: fingerprints, DNA, Dental.

Question 18

Initial Report to Coroner - POL 47

Answer 18

summary in chronological order, covering all the details and circumstances surrounding the death.

Question 19

POL 47a

Answer 19

to be used in the case of sudden unexplained death in infancy.

Question 20

For certain deaths the following parties should be involved

Answer 20

• 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