American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Practice Exam

What should ER staff do immediately after determining that death has occurred?

1. Leave the body intact and notify the coroner/ME

2. Remove tubes and prepare the body for family viewing

3. Seal bloody clothing in a bag with evidence tape

4. Bag and tag the body after identification by next of kin

The correct answer is: Leave the body intact and notify the coroner/ME

The correct course of action after determining that death has occurred is to leave the body intact and notify the coroner or medical examiner. This step is crucial as it preserves the body's integrity for potential forensic investigation. Leaving the body intact allows for a proper examination of any evidence and ensures that no critical information is lost, which is essential in cases where foul play may be involved. Notifying the coroner or medical examiner initiates the legal and investigative processes surrounding the death, which are necessary for determining the cause of death and addressing any legal implications. In contrast, other actions, such as removing tubes and preparing the body for family viewing or sealing bloody clothing, can compromise evidence and may interfere with the investigative process. Bagging and tagging the body after identification by next of kin, while important for documentation, also does not prioritize the need for immediate notification of authorities and ensuring the body remains undisturbed for forensic evaluation.