H Forensics - Autopsy #4

The Pelvic Cavity

1. The external and internal genitalia are examined for evidence of foreign matter/injury

2. In sex homicides, vaginal and anal swabs are taken

3. Urinary baller is removed, fluid measured and kept for toxicological exam.

What is the protocol?

The official report of the autopsy by the medical examiner/coroner

Who does the protocol?

The chief medical examiner or coroner

How is the protocol recorded?

Into a mechanical recorder for later transcription

The protocol contains the following information:

1.

External examination

a. Description of the clothing

b. Description of the body

The protocol contains the following information:

2.

Evidence of Injury

a. External

b. Internal

The protocol contains the following information:

3.

Central nervous system (head and brain)

The protocol contains the following information:

4.

Internal examination

What is included in the Internal examination?

Cardiovascular system

Pulmonary system

GI (Gastrointestinal) system

Stomach

Small and large intestines

The protocol contains the following information:

Anatomical findings

Toxicological findings

Opinion

What does the medical examiner at the end of this protocol report?

The official diagnosis of the cause of death

What is the value of the diagnosis and protocol?

• It provides a factual and medical opinion of the death

• Determine if facts and evidence are consistent with the cause of death

Define cause, manner, and mechanism of death

Cause - what initiated the sequence of death

Manner - NASHUP

Mechanism - physiological disturbances incompatible with life initiated by the cause of death