Victims

Question 1

Responsibilities of OC body

Answer 1

• Note and record observations
• Record actions taken with body
• Maintain security and continuity of body, samples, exhibits from scene to p.m.
• Certified death
• Secure and guard body with dignity and respect
• Photograph body in situ
• Arrange transport by the undertaker
• Sudden death procedures
  -Cultural considerations addressed
• Formal ID
• Obtain medical record
• Attend pm
• medical staff details

Question 2

Procedure for body removal

Answer 2

• Notify coroner and obtain authority to move
• Consult with ESR and other experts and obtain views
• What examinations required before moved and samples to be taken?
• Best method to remove body ensuring minimal disruption
• Supervision and documentation of removal
• Family and cultural considerations
• Do not attempt to restore the body to its original position

Question 3

Recording and moving a body

Answer 3

• Record possession of body, limbs. Sketch plan. Take photos.
• Record injuries, wounds, scratches, blood trails and splashes
• Search underneath
• Note any smells
• Complete sample from body
• Cover head, hands, feet with paper bags and secure without touching skin
• Prioritise health and safety
• Prevent cross contamination
• Obtain authority from OC to transport body
• ensure custody and security and maintained

Question 4

Purpose of p.m.

Answer 4

• id. victim
• Areas of interest for witness and suspect interviews identified
• Mode and time of death established
• How injuries and events at the scene may have contributed to death
• Approximate height and size of suspect
• Nature and size of weapon used

Question 5

Who may attend PM?

Answer 5

• Pathologist and assistant
• Medical Doctor Who treated deceased
• Doctor, nurse, funeral director engaged by family - authorised by coroner
• Doctor representing suspect - authorised by coroner
• Any other person authorised by coroner
• Police, OC, SOCO, photography, crown, ESR

Question 6

Stripping the body

Answer 6

Wear PPE
- Only strip body and presence of pathologist when authority given by OC
Samples taken before removing clothing
- Remove body from fridge and bring into exam room
- Remove bag carefully and retain sheets and bag
- Inventory items from body and items from within clothing
- Label and seal items
- Prevent cross contamination
- sieve to collect debris from wash 

Question 7

Points to be covered by pathologist

Answer 7

• body description, e.g. height, weight, eye and hair colour
• Use of specialist kits eg MEK, tox, FSR
• external appearance, e.g. injuries, scratches, tattoos, scars 

Question 8

PM samples

Answer 8

• Hair
• Blood
• Ocular
• Nasal
• liver/bile
• Lung
• Urine
• organs