Verification of Death CPG A0203-2

Flashcards based on Verification of Death CPG A0203-2 Version 8.2.0

Verification of Death

Establishing that a death has occurred after thorough clinical assessment of a body.

Paramedic Verification of Death

Registered Paramedics can provide verification in the context of employment and if there is certainty of death, but it's not mandatory.

Certification of Death

Must be provided by a Medical Practitioner as to cause of death; falls outside the scope of verification of death.

Determinants of Death

Six clinical elements used in the assessment of a deceased person: No palpable carotid pulse, No heart sounds, No breath sounds, Fixed and dilated pupils, No response to centralised stimulus, No motor response.

Optional Finding for Death Verification

ECG strip that shows asystole over 2 minutes.

Timing of Death Verification

Determinants of death should be evaluated 5-10 minutes after cessation of resuscitation to ensure late ROSC does not occur.

Verification of Death Form

Should include findings, name of person, location of death, estimated date/time of death, name of the Paramedic, and if the treating doctor was notified.

Notification Requirements

Police must be notified in cases of reportable or reviewable death, with the crew remaining on scene until their arrival.

Reportable Death Examples

Unexpected, unnatural, or violent death; death following a medical procedure; death of a person in custody or care; person under the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act; or an unknown person. Cases of SIDS.

Reviewable Death

Required following the death of a child (< 18 years) where the death is the second or subsequent death of a child of the parent, guardian, or foster parent.

Documentation of Death Verification

The original Verification of Death form should be left with the deceased, and a copy attached to the printed PCR.