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CORONER DEATH SCENEINVESTIGATIONS

John E. Stanley D-abmdiDane County Coroner

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TEAM EFFORT

CommunityMediaInsurance Investigators

Specialty LabsCoronerDistrict Attorney

Emergency Medical Services

Fire ServiceLaw Enforcement

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CORONERS OFFICE

Forensic Pathologist

Forensic Anthropologist

Forensic Odontologist

Medical Imaging

Toxicology Laboratories

DNA Analysis

Psychological Autopsy

Subpoena Powers

Medical Detectives

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DEATH INVESTIGATIONCOMPONENTS

ResponseOverview PronouncementIdentificationInformation GatheringNotification to Next-of-KinRemoval of body

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DEATH INVESTIGATIONCOMPONENTS

Medical ExaminationCause & Manner of Death RulingDocumentationTestimony

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RESPONSE

Dispatch Information Location

• correct address• special instructions

Type of incident• natural• other

– traffic crash

– personal attack

– fire/drowning/exposure/drugs

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RESPONSE

Preplanning Mentally review protocols Consider special equipment/resource needs Anticipate incident specific problems Evaluate time factors Early notice to back-up personnel

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OVERVIEW

Approaching the scene Is the scene safe?

• Environmental hazards– gases

– chemicals

– biohazards

– cave-in

– wind

– thin ice

– falling ice

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OVERVIEW

Man-made hazards– moving traffic (rubber-necking)

– electrocution from energized lines or equipment

– structural collapse

– equipment still under power or load

– firearms

– explosion (drug labs, terrorists

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OVERVIEW

People hazards– domestic violence

– unknown assailant at scene

– revenge attacks (gang or family)

– suicide by police

– booby-traps

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OVERVIEW

Brief with Law Enforcement/Fire Service• communicate with officers in charge

• identify relatives at the scene

• determine police/fire concerns

• discuss preservation of evidence

• plan access to the body

• document initial observations

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PRONOUNCEMENT OF DEATH

A legal determination having significant implications!

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PRONOUNCEMENT OF DEATH

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)Visual examination of body & surroundingsPhysical examination of body

Stethoscope Tactile (pertaining to sense of touch) Olfactory (pertaining to sense of smell)

Consider EMS interventions

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IDENTIFICATION

Tentative? Photo ID comparison Visual ID by family, friends or others Personal property Professional body markings Jewelry Body piercing

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IDENTIFICATION

Positive! Fingerprints Dental Medical Imaging DNA Surgical Implants

• pumps• electronics• ortho devices

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IDENTIFICATION

Positive! Unique combinations of body markings and/or

deformities.

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IDENTIFICATION

ALL bodies should have an identification device attached.

In multiple fatality incidents, a description of the body and location found should be attached at the time of recovery.

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INFORMATION GATHERING

Who?What?Why?When?Where?How?

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INFORMATION GATHERING

In addition to families, attorneys and insurance companies, many agencies may have an interest in our information.

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INFORMATION GATHERING

Sources of Information Family and friends Local law enforcement Fire Service & EMS Hospital & clinic medical records Primary care physician and nurse Military service records Human resources & public health records

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NOTIFICATION OFNEXT-OF-KIN

Treat them as you would want to be treated Make notification in person when possible

an opportunity to collect information health & safety of the recipient may decline

Others that may assist in notifications law enforcement clergy coroners & medical examiners

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REMOVAL OF BODY

Funeral Director from funeral homeContract Trade ServiceCoroner or Medical Examiner

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REMOVAL OF BODY

Treat the body with dignity & respect that you would want for your relative.

Request additional help if necessary for lifting or carrying.

Recognize and honor unique cultural rights and traditions

Maintain chain-of-evidence in cases of unexplained, unusual or suspicious events.

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MEDICAL EXAMINATION

Why order an autopsy? Determine the medical Cause of Death Identify characteristics of heredity Rule out medical causes of death Establish a legal degree of medical certainty Corroborate the Manner of Death ruling Collect & preserve evidence

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MEDICAL EXAMINATION

Plan ahead for what you think that you will need at the autopsy.

Consider special needs:

Anthropology

Odontology

Sane Nurse

Equipment

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MEDICAL EXAMINATION

Discuss how and where you want to handle toxicology analysis.

Discuss the necessary information and authorization for release of the body to a funeral home.

Be prepared for cases where no anatomical cause for death is found at autopsy.

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MEDICAL EXAMINATION

Law enforcement & fire service briefed about the time and place of autopsy.

Determine whether they will need evidence collection assistance from the crime lab.

Coordinate eye, bone & tissue donations with the pathologist.

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MANNER & CAUSE OF DEATH RULING -

The most reasonable determination based upon available information!

Based on facts supported by your gathering of information.

A legal determination that may undergo a challenge during court proceedings.

Sometimes you are the bearer of an unwanted truth.

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DOCUMENTATION

Currently there is no standardized death investigation report in the State of WI

This is a written record that supports the Manner & Cause of Death ruling.

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TESTIMONY

You may be subpoenaed to testify in either a criminal or civil court case.

Your testimony represents an unbiased investigation of the decedent’s demise.

Be careful to keep your statements within the facts that you have established, and guard against unsupported speculation.

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RELATED ISSUES

Legal Next-of-KinPersonal PropertyMedicationsUnclaimed/Unidentified BodiesRelease of InformationPersonal Health

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You Know it’s the end, when....

The CNN crew arrives at your office, or

You are given the opportunity to be creative in meeting the challenges of a changing budget & staffing environment!