Each and every death scene presents new challenges to even the most seasoned investigator. Despite the unique nature of each scenario, using a standardized protocol is the key to ensuring consistent and accurate results. Death Scene Investigation: A Field Guide provides concise direction for the death scene investigator, crime scene investigator, coroner, medical examiner, or anyone associated with the investigation of death.
Since the majority of deaths are due to natural causes, the book emphasizes these situations, yet also examines unnatural circumstances. It begins by providing a general overview of death investigation before delving into a chronological point-by-point analysis of the death scene. Topics discussed include how to assess the body at the scene, and how to investigate natural and unnatural deaths.
Explores Various Causes
Next, the text demonstrates how death manifests in various parts of the body. A section on traumatic injuries examines and demonstrates with color photographs blunt force, sharp force, and a host of other injuries that the death examiner is likely to confront.
The book addresses identification methods and explores how to determine signs of resuscitation and previous surgeries. It concludes with a discussion of the purpose and performance of the autopsy and provides a survey of the different forensic experts that may become useful to the death investigator.
Enhanced by numerous color photos, this volume is a direct, succinct handbook that is invaluable to those that confront the reality of death on a day-to-day basis. Its spiral-bound format makes it the perfect guide to take along to the scene.
Table of Contents
Purpose of the Death Investigation
Role of the Death Scene Investigator (DSI)
Philosophy of Death Investigation
Notification of a Death
Discovery of Deceased
The Body and the Scene
Statutory Responsibilities
Confirm or Validate the Death
Securing the Death Scene
Evidence at the Death Scene
Documentation of the Scene and the Body
Documentation by Diagrams
Forming Preliminary Opinions: Be Suspicious but Objective
Examination of the Body at the Scene
Pathologist’s Role at the Scene
Other Forensic Experts at the Scene
Assessment of the Body at the Scene
Position of the Body at the Scene
Blood at the Scene
Vomitus at the Scene
Physical Examination of the Body at the Scene
Starting the Scene Assessment of the Body and Time of Death
Determining Time of Death by Scene Investigation
Decomposition
Other Decompositional Changes
Detailed Physical Assessment of the Body at the Scene
Introduction
Common External Signs of Disease or Trauma
Skin
Extremities
Trunk
The Medical History and Medical Records
Obtaining a Medical History at the Scene
Searching the Scene
Obtaining Medical Records or Information by Phone
Reviewing Medical Records
Natural Diseases and Death Investigation
Introduction
Sudden Death
Cardiac System
Respiratory System
Gastrointestinal Tract and Pancreas
Liver
Vascular System
Central Nervous System (CNS ) Disorders
Systemic Diseases
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) / Acquired Immune
Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Traumatic Injuries
Blunt Force Injuries versus Sharp Force Injuries
Blunt Force Injuries
Sharp Force Injuries
Description of Wounds
Asphyxia
Electrocution
Lightning
Fire Deaths and Thermal Injuries
Hyperthermia
Hypothermia
Motor Vehicle Occupant Injuries
Pedestrian Injuries
Investigation of Childhood Fatalities and Child Abuse
Battered Child Syndrome
Shaken (Infant) Impact Syndrome
Neglect, a Crime of Omission
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Identification Methods
Collection of Evidence at the Scene
Visual Identification
Other Visual Methods of Identification
“Softer” Forms of Identification
Scientific Forms of Identification
Crime Scene Evidence Collection
Signs of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Treatment
Key to Figure
Signs of Previous Surgeries and Procedures
Key to Figure
The Medical-Legal Autopsy
Purpose of the Autopsy
Misconceptions of the Autopsy
Jurisdiction and Permission for Autopsies
Death Investigations Requiring an Autopsy
The Autopsy: Assembling a Puzzle
External Examination of the Body
External Examination
Internal Examination
Forensic Experts
Introduction
Accident Reconstructionist
Forensic Anthropologist
Forensic Botanist
Forensic Geologist
Crime Scene Technician
Criminalist and Criminalistics
Forensic Engineer
Forensic Entomologist
Forensic Pathologist
Forensic Odontologist (Dentist)
Forensic Radiologist
Questioned Documents Examiner
Serologist
Toxicologist
Bibliography
Appendix A: Medical Terminology
Appendix B: Prescription Medicines
Publication Date: 11/24/2008
Number of Pages: 237
