FSC239Y5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Forensic Toxicology, Calcium Oxalate, Asphyxia
Introduction to Death Investigation
Chapter 5 – US may differ from Canadian system
A death investigation is a process where by a coroner (investigate sudden unexpected
deaths) or forensic pathologist (expert in disease an injury) seeks to understand why
and how a person died.
A coroner is called to investigate when
Deaths that appear to be from unnatural causes or natural deaths that’s occur
suddenly or unexpectedly.
Ex: Concerns are raised regarding the care provided to an individual prior to
death.
Five questions that must be answered:
Who (identify deceased)
When (Date of death)
Where (location of death)
How (Cause of death)
oMixed drug toxicity?
oBlunt force?
By what means (manner of death)
oUndetermined, suicide, homicide, accidental, natural?
oUSHAN (abbreviation)^
Pathologist
Study disease and injury
Perform clinical autopsy
Goal: inform clinical diagnosis, presence and extent of disease
Forensic Pathologist
Study disease and injury that resulted in sudden death
Perform forensic/medical legal autopsy
Goal: determine COD and confirm MOD
The Autopsy
Post-mortem examination
oExamination of the body after death.
oSurgical procedure to determine COD and confirm the MOD.
oDocumentation is vital.
oPhotographs with scales.
oTissues and organs are retained for further laboratory testing.
External examination
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