Term
|
Definition
| It is the combination of medicine and law |
|
|
Term
| What are some things Medicolegal Death Investigators do? |
|
Definition
| Determine if it is an ME's case; Determine if a person is going to get a full autopsy; Scene Investigations; Gather information: medical records, witness statements, psych records, EMS/Fire records; Assist LE and follow up; Reconstructions/Re-enactments; X-Ray and Draw Fluids; Report Writing; Scene Diagrams; Testify; Collect evidence on body |
|
|
Term
| What types of death do MDIs investigate? |
|
Definition
| Unnatural; Suspicious/Unusual; Unexplained; Violent/Traumatic; All custody deaths: correctional facilities, police custody, state run hospitals and mental health facilities; on the job/work related deaths; infant/child deaths unless extremely rare well documented medical case; environmental case: Hypothermia/Hyperthermia; unattended deaths |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The body's temperature is less than 95 degrees F |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| When the body's temperature is greater than 105 degrees |
|
|
Term
| What is an unattended death? |
|
Definition
| When someone dies and they have no attending physician and so the signing doctor becomes the medical examiner. In VA, any doctor who saw the patient within a year is required by law to sign the DC. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| It is the Electronic Death Registry System and is where death certificates are generated |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The application of science to the law |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An elected public official who determines COD, sign death certificates, performs/arranges autopsies |
|
|
Term
| Are coroners required to have medical training? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| True or False: Anyone can become a coroner. |
|
Definition
| True, It is a public office that someone is elected into |
|
|
Term
| What is the difference between a coroner and a medical examiner? |
|
Definition
| Coroners are elected and do not require medical training. A medical examiner is a physician (MD or DO) and is appointed by the local government to perform autopsies. They are completely separate and unbiased as they have no political affiliation. |
|
|
Term
| Why will there always be coroners? |
|
Definition
| Rural areas cannot afford to have a medical examiner and some areas do not have the amount of death requiring a medical examiner to be on staff |
|
|
Term
| What is the difference between a forensic pathologist and a medical examiner? |
|
Definition
| Not all forensic pathologists are medical examiners, but all medical examiners are forensic pathologists. A forensic pathologist who works under a coroner is not a medical examiner. |
|
|
Term
| Define forensic pathology |
|
Definition
| A subspecialty of pathology that focuses on determining the COD in a sudden, unexpected, or violent death by examination of a corpse. In other terms they apply the principals of medical science to problems in the field of law. They do this by incorporating the physical exam, toxicology, microscopy, and histology. |
|
|
Term
| What kind of education is required for a forensic pathologist/medical examiner? |
|
Definition
| It is 12-15 years of school: 4 BA, 4 Med school, 3-5 residency, 1-2 fellowship. Most are also board certified by the American Board of Pathology |
|
|
Term
| What is the certifying board for forensic pathologists/medical examiners? |
|
Definition
| American Board of Pathology |
|
|
Term
| What type of system does VA use? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What agency is the VA ME office under? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| Who is the current Chief ME in VA? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What are some things the Forensic Pathologists/MEs are responsible for? |
|
Definition
| COD, Time of injury or death, sign death certificate, perform autopsy, examine wounds, marks patterns, or other injuries, document presence or absence of natural disease, review info gathered by MDI, recover physical evidence from the body |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Cessation of the respiratory, circulatory, and central nervous system. Death occurs when one or all fail |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| When the brain is dead and the person is only alive due to medical intervention |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| When all three systems cease to work |
|
|
Term
| What is the greek translation of Autopsy? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What is the difference between forensic and clinical autopsy? |
|
Definition
| Forensic autopsy is for cause and manner of death. It is problem oriented and goal directed. No NOK permission required. A clinical autopsy is for learning or research. NOK permission is required and is only on natural deaths. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A thorough, detailed, and systematic exam of a person's body after death |
|
|
Term
| What is the purpose of an autopsy? |
|
Definition
| Determine unknown COD; confirm suspected COD and MOD; correlate or refute facts and circumstances related to the death; verify particular injuries and diseases; Public Health interests; Determine who the individual is; when injured; when died; and was it an accident or intentional |
|
|
Term
| What is some evidence that may be collected at an autopsy? |
|
Definition
| Photos, fingerprints, bullet, fingernail clippings, PERK, fibers, clothing, hair. |
|
|
Term
| What cases require a definite full autopsy? |
|
Definition
| Homicides; Police Custody, Charred, severely decomposed, or otherwise unID bodies; Possible criminal prosecution; sudden and unexpected child deaths; dies under age 40 with little to no med Hx; competing manners of death |
|
|
Term
| What are some cases that may only receive an external autopsy? |
|
Definition
| Extensive BFT, but no criminal charges; unattended deaths with significant med hx, just no PMD; Clear cut drug death with additional med Hx |
|
|
Term
| What are the 3 autopsy techniques? |
|
Definition
| Virchow Technique, Rokitansky Technique, and Letulle Technique |
|
|
Term
| Describe the Virchow Technique. |
|
Definition
| organs are removed one by one, most common and preferred by MEs. |
|
|
Term
| Describe the Rokitansky Technique |
|
Definition
| In situ. There is very little evisceration. The advantage is you can see the connections between organs. |
|
|
Term
| Describe the Letulle Technique |
|
Definition
| Organs are removed "En masse" (in blocks) |
|
|
Term
| What are some of the things observed during the external exam? |
|
Definition
| Age; sex; race; physique; features; nourishment; malformations; clothing descriptions; ID features; dentition; Algor; rigor; livor; scars, tattoos, moles; vomit, froth, foam, blood; old injuries; disease; medical and surgical intervention; locations of critical injuries |
|
|
Term
| What is the OCME Equation? |
|
Definition
| Scene Investigation + medical info + autopsy = the who what where when why and how |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| toward the head or upper part of the body or other structure; above. Not used for extremeties |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Below, away from head or lower part of the body or other structure; not used for extremeties |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Toward or at front of the body |
|
|
Term
| What does Posterior mean? |
|
Definition
| Toward or a the back of the body; behind |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| closer to the origin of the trunk of the body or the point of attachment; only for extremeties |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| farther from the trunk of the body or the point of attachment; only for extremeties |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The etiologically specific injury or disease that initiated the lethal change of events, however brief or prolonged, that resulted in the death of the individual |
|
|
Term
| What does evisceration mean? |
|
Definition
| The removal of the viscera (internal organs) |
|
|
Term
| What are the 4 types of brain bleeds? |
|
Definition
| Subdural, Epidural, Subarachnoid, and Intracerebral hemorrhage |
|
|
Term
| What is the most common lethal injury associated with head injuries? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| Where is a subdural hemorrhage located? |
|
Definition
| Between the dura and the brain |
|
|
Term
| Where is an epidural hemorrhage located? |
|
Definition
| Between the skull and the dura |
|
|
Term
| Where is a subarachnoid hemorrhage located? |
|
Definition
| on the surface of the brain or in the subarachnoid space, which is the space between the brain and the thin tissues that cover it |
|
|
Term
| Where is an intracerebral hemorrhage located? |
|
Definition
| It is from a diseased or weakened blood vessel bursting within the brain |
|
|
Term
| What are some examples of not acceptable COD? |
|
Definition
| Cardiac arrest, cardiopulmonary arrest, multi-organ system failure, natural causes, old age, failure to thrive, sepsis |
|
|
Term
| What are the 5 manners of death? |
|
Definition
| suicide, homicide, accident, undetermined, natural |
|
|
Term
| Define natural manner of death |
|
Definition
| death caused solely and entirely by disease and or natural aging processes without the intervention of trauma |
|
|
Term
| Define an accidental manner of death |
|
Definition
| An individual's death caused by a random, unintended, unknown, unnatural, or unwanted event |
|
|
Term
| Define Suicide manner of death |
|
Definition
| The intentional taking of one's own life |
|
|
Term
| What are the 3 most common suicide GSW? |
|
Definition
| forehead, temple, intraoral |
|
|
Term
| Who was the politician who killed himself on live TV and what did he use? |
|
Definition
| It was R. Budd Dwyer and he shot himself intraoral with a revolver |
|
|
Term
| Can you have a manner of death without a cause of death? |
|
Definition
| No. You can't say the circumstances of a death if you don't have a manner of death |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The circumstances surrounding the cause of death |
|
|
Term
| Define homicide as a manner of death |
|
Definition
| Death at the hands of another |
|
|
Term
| Define undetermined as a manner of death |
|
Definition
| Despite all reasonable police, forensic investigation, autopsy, microscopy, and toxicology, there is still insufficient information about the circumstances surrounding the death to make a ruling or there are competing manners of death |
|
|
Term
| True or False: In Medicolegal Death Investigations, injuries have no statute of limitations |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A major allergic reaction |
|
|
Term
| Is chronic substance abuse natural or accidental? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| Is acute substance abuse natural or accidental? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| How old must a fetus be to be considered viable? |
|
Definition
| 24 weeks or older in VA. Under 24 weeks not treated like an additional victim |
|
|
Term
| What is mechanism of death? |
|
Definition
| The physiological derangement produced by the COD that results in the death |
|
|
Term
| What are some examples of mechanism of death |
|
Definition
| Exsanguination (bleed out), insanguination (internal bleeding), septicemia/sepsis (body wide infection), renal failure, cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heart beat) |
|
|
Term
| What is an example of a COD with a manner and then mechanism of death |
|
Definition
| COD (GSW head), Manner (Homicide), Mechanism (exsanguination) |
|
|
Term
| What is most commonly used: physiological time of death or estimated time of death? |
|
Definition
| Estimated time of death because we often don't know the exact time a person died. |
|
|
Term
| What is physiological time of death? |
|
Definition
| The point at which the body's vital organs ceased to function. |
|
|
Term
| What is legal Time of Death? |
|
Definition
| Time at which the body was discovered or physically pronounced dead by a medical professional. |
|
|
Term
| What are the 5 stages of decomposition? |
|
Definition
| Fresh, bloat, active, advanced, dry |
|
|
Term
| What makes post mortem changes so useful? |
|
Definition
| They are inevitable, predictable, and progressive |
|
|
Term
| What are the two processes of decomposition? |
|
Definition
| Autolysis and Putrefaction |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| It is the breakdown of the body's tissues by its own internal chemical and enzymes, self-digestion, non-bacterial breakdown |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| After autolysis, it is the breakdown of body tissue due to bacteria, fermentation, and/or fungal digestion |
|
|
Term
| Where is putrefaction first seen? |
|
Definition
| In the GI tract and pancreas |
|
|
Term
| What are some things that hasten decomposition? |
|
Definition
| Obesity, heavy clothing, heat, sepsis/infection |
|
|
Term
| What delays decomposition? |
|
Definition
| dry environment, cold/freezing, lower body mass, tight clothing, water |
|
|
Term
| What is Algor mortis and what is the text book rate of cooling? |
|
Definition
| It is the post mortem cooling of the body and it is estimated 1.5-2 degrees per hour for the 1st 10 hours |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A reddish purple coloration in dependent areas of the body due to the accumulation of blood in the small vessels secondary to gravity |
|
|
Term
| What is the time frame for livor mortis? |
|
Definition
| Onset is 30min-2 hours, fixed 8-12 hours |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a void pattern where skin is pushed against something to prevent pooling, blanching also shows when lividity is not set |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The stiffening of muscle fibers due to exhaustion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Rigor disappears due to decomposition of the muscles |
|
|
Term
| What is the time frame for ATP? |
|
Definition
| Onset as early as 2hrs, fully fixed 6-24 hrs, Disappears in 24-36hrs. Appears in smallest joints first and disappears in same order |
|
|
Term
| What are some factors that accelerate rigor? |
|
Definition
| heat, infection/fever, exercise, convulsions/seizures, violent struggle, electrocution, certain drugs (Cocaine and amphetamines) and poisons (strychnine produces convulsions) |
|
|
Term
| What are uneven pupils called? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Drying of the eyes where they are exposed to the air |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| It is the breakdown or destruction of red blood cells in the vessels; produced by hemolysis |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| generalized swelling due to bacterial gas formation |
|
|
Term
| What are the 3 gasses from bloating |
|
Definition
| methane, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide |
|
|
Term
| Where is bloating first noted? |
|
Definition
| Face then abdomen, limbs, and scrotum |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Separation of the epidermis from the dermis |
|
|
Term
| What is a vesicle or bullae |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What type of environment do you see mummification |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Chemical change occurring under moist, wet conditions, takes several weeks to several months. It is the saponification of human fat or adipose (grave wax) |
|
|
Term
| What are some post-skeletonization changes? |
|
Definition
| weathering, drying, sun bleaching, animal prediation |
|
|
Term
| What is forensic entomolgy |
|
Definition
| The use of insect cycles to estimate PMI |
|
|
Term
| What are the types of trauma? |
|
Definition
| mechanical, thermal, chemical, and electrical |
|
|
Term
| What are the types of mechanical trauma? |
|
Definition
| Blunt, sharp, explosions, car |
|
|
Term
| What are the categories of BFT? |
|
Definition
| Abrasions, Contusions, Lacerations, Fractures |
|
|
Term
| What does the severity, extent, and appearance of blunt force injuries depend on? |
|
Definition
| Force, length of time delivered, region of body, surface are affected, nature of the weapon, direction of impact of force, general health/condition of victim, stature of victim |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An injury to the skin in which there is removal of the epidermis by friction against a rough surface or destruction of the superficial layers by compression |
|
|
Term
| What are the differences between antemortem and postmortem abrasion? |
|
Definition
| antemortem is reddish-brown and there is histological evidence of healing. Post mortem is yellow and translucent, no evidence of healing |
|
|
Term
| What are the 3 types of abrasions? |
|
Definition
| scrap/brush, impact abrasion, patterned abrasions |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Blunt object scrapes off superficial layers. Caused by friction. Linear abrasion, known as scratch is the most common type of scrape |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| caused by compression. The blunt force is directly perpendicular to the skin, crushing it. Commonly seen over bony prominences. |
|
|
Term
| Define patterned abrasions |
|
Definition
| The imprint of ether the offending object or intermediary material, such as clothing is imprinted or stamped onto the skin by the crushing effect of the blunt object |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Bruise. An area of hemorrhage into soft tissue due to rupture of blood vessels caused by blunt trauma |
|
|
Term
| How can you tell if it is a bruise vs livor mortis? |
|
Definition
| Livor mortis involves blood in its original locations, not in surrounding tissue. Incise to distinguish. The bruise will show bleeding. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A large focal collection of blood in an area of contusion that often expands or distorts the surrounding tissue |
|
|
Term
| What is a bruise not related to BFT? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What is Periorbital Ecchymosis? |
|
Definition
| Also know as racoon eyes, evidence of a basilar skull fracture |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| it is bruising behind the ear indicative of a fracture near the ear. |
|
|
Term
| can you date bruises by color? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What does yellow coloration in a bruise indicate? |
|
Definition
| "recent" or "old", over 18 hrs. It is evidence of healing. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A tear in the tissue caused by a shearing or crushing force. Has irregular, abraded, or contused edges. May see tissue bridging |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The tearing away of tissues from their attachments (think scalping) |
|
|
Term
| What are bumper fractures? |
|
Definition
| Bilateral fractures in the tibia and fibula and can show a person was standing when hit. |
|
|
Term
| What two types of injuries are seen with trauma to the skull and brain |
|
Definition
| impact injuries and acceleration/deceleration injuries |
|
|
Term
| What are examples of acceleration/deceleration injuries to the skull/brain |
|
Definition
| angular rotation (whiplash) and Diffuse Axonal Injury (shaken baby, shearing injury of nerve fibers in brain and/or spinal cord) |
|
|
Term
| What are coup brain contusions? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What are contrecoup brain contusions? |
|
Definition
| opposite the site of impact |
|
|
Term
| What are the four types of brain hemorrhages? |
|
Definition
| Subdural, epidural, subarachnoid, and intracerebral |
|
|
Term
| Where is a subdural brain hemorrhage located? |
|
Definition
| Between the dura and the brain, under dura |
|
|
Term
| Where is an epidural hemorrhage located? |
|
Definition
| Between the dura and the skull, above dura |
|
|
Term
| Where is a subarachnoid hemorrhage located? |
|
Definition
| Bleed on the surface of the brain, can't wipe away |
|
|
Term
| What are some of the most common reasons for fatal MVC? |
|
Definition
| Impairment, human error, environmental hazard. |
|
|
Term
| What type of impact is the most fatal in MVC? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| How can you tell a stab from an incised wound? |
|
Definition
| Stab wounds are deeper than they are long while incised wounds are longer than they are deep |
|
|
Term
| What are 4 types of sharp force trauma? |
|
Definition
| Stab, incised, chop therapeutic/diagnostic wounds |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A pattern of elastic fibers in the dermis of the skin, which is approximately the same from person to person. |
|
|
Term
| How will wounds parallel to the langer's lines appear? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| How will stab wounds perpendicular to langer lines appear? |
|
Definition
| gaping, shorter, and broader |
|
|
Term
| can you always tell if it was a single vs double bladed knife? |
|
Definition
| No. but single blade will often have a squared edge |
|
|
Term
| True or False: Incised wounds are not usually fatal. |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| Where are defensive wounds normally located? |
|
Definition
| forearms and hands between fingers |
|
|
Term
| How are chop wounds created? |
|
Definition
| produced by heavy instruments with a heavy cutting edge. |
|
|
Term
| That is a thoracotomy incision |
|
Definition
| Incision to the chest cavity |
|
|
Term
| what is a laparotomy incision |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| what is a tracheostomy incision |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What are some risk factors for CVD? |
|
Definition
| High cholesterol, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, tobacco, alcoholism, and genetics |
|
|
Term
| What percentage is significant occlusion? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What is another name for myocardial infarction? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What is a pulmonary embolism |
|
Definition
| blockage of artery in lungs by fat, air, clotted blood, or tumor cells |
|
|
Term
| What is Pulmonary Thromboembolism? |
|
Definition
| blood clot in the lungs that traveled from somewhere else |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What are the 3 types of cardiomyopathy? |
|
Definition
| Dialated/congestive, hypertrophic, and restrictive |
|
|
Term
| What are the three types of Valvular disease? |
|
Definition
| Mitral Valve Prolapse, Aortic Stenosis, and Valvulitis |
|
|
Term
| What is an Aortic Dissection? |
|
Definition
| Tear of the inner wall of aorta and blood flows along wall of aorta |
|
|
Term
| What is most common brain related COD? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery due to weakening of wall, usually in circle of willis |
|
|
Term
| What is a bacterial infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| build up of fluid on surface of brain, causing pressure |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Indicative of liver disease, yellowing of the skin. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What is hepatomegaly and who do you see it in? |
|
Definition
| It is an enlarged liver, seen in alcoholics |
|
|
Term
| What is the most common cause of death in homicides |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What is the difference between a shotgun and a rifle |
|
Definition
| A shotgun is smoothbore and a rifle has rifling. Shotgun shoots shells and a rifle shoots cartridges. |
|
|
Term
| What is a permanent cavity |
|
Definition
| the actual track of crush injury caused by the passage of the projectile |
|
|
Term
| What is the temporary cavity |
|
Definition
| It is the pressure wave, occurs when a projectile passes through the tissue with sufficient speed to cause the tissue to stretch and deform |
|
|
Term
| What is a penetrating wound? |
|
Definition
| Enters and remains in the body |
|
|
Term
| Describe perforating wound |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What are some characteristics of entrance wounds? |
|
Definition
| Cookie cutter defect, see soot, stippling, tattooing, bullet wipe, muzzle imprint, lacerations from gases, abraded edges |
|
|
Term
| what are some characteristics of exit wounds? |
|
Definition
typically larger and more irregular from bullet expanding, fragmenting, and tumbling
can be stellate, circular, slit like, irregular, crescent, no abraded edges, stippling, tattooing, or muzzle imprint |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Wounds that result from the E/E site being in contact with another object as the projectile is attempting to exit the body, thereby crushing the surrounding skin |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| characteristic in bone, funnel opens in direction projectile is traveling. Entrance wounds have internal beveling and exit wounds have external beveling. |
|
|
Term
| What does keyhole beveling mean? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| how close is a close shot? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| How close is an intermediate shot? |
|
Definition
| 2-24" evident by stippling |
|
|
Term
| What is stippling or tattooing? |
|
Definition
| punctate abrasions caused by pieces of hot unburned gun powder and soot expelled from the gun striking and abrading the skin |
|
|
Term
| Why are wallets with an ID considered a tentative ID? |
|
Definition
| because a wallet is transferrable |
|
|
Term
| If you cannot ID visually and there are no FPs, what is next? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The result of an interference with the intake or utilization of oxygen together with the failure to eliminate Carbon Dioxide |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| partial lack of oxygen in body tissue |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| complete lack of oxygen in body tissue. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| pinpoint hemorrhages produced by rupture of small vessels due to over distortion. It is the result from the rupture of small blood vessels when the venous return of blood from the head is obstructed while the arterial flow is maintained. |
|
|
Term
| Where may you see petechiae? |
|
Definition
| sclera, conjunctiva, face/neck, dependent areas of neck, visceral pleura and epicardium |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| failure of oxygen to reach blood due to an oxygen poor environment. Example- bag over the head. No petechiae |
|
|
Term
| Define entrapment asphyxia |
|
Definition
| Environment suffocation that occurs when an individual is in an airtight or relatively airtight container or room and gradually consumes the available oxygen. i.e buried alive and refrigerator babies |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| Obstruction or occlusion of the external airways (nose and mouth) |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| obstruction or occlusion of internal airways (pharynx, larynx, and trachea) |
|
|
Term
| What are the two types of mechanical asphyxia? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What is gaseous suffocation? |
|
Definition
| occurs when an inert gas displaces the oxygen in the environment (i.e. methane, carbon dioxide, argon, helium, nitroge |
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|
Term
| What is chemical asphyxia |
|
Definition
| when the chemical acts on the molecular or cellular level by hindering the deliverance of oxygen to the tissues - prevent the cells from using the oxygen - survivable if removed from environment. i.e. carbon monoxide |
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|
Term
| What are some examples of chemicals that cause chemical asphyxia? |
|
Definition
| Carbon Monoxide, Cyanide, Hydrogen Sulfide |
|
|
Term
| What will the autopsy findings be for gaseous suffocation? |
|
Definition
| no autopsy findings. The scene will be important. |
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|
Term
| Define traumatic mechanical asphyxia. |
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Definition
| requires enough external pressure on the chest, neck, or upper abdomen to make respiration difficult or impossible |
|
|
Term
| how is positional asphyxia caused? |
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Definition
| the body is positioned in such a way that respiration is comprimised |
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Term
|
Definition
| choking from food during eating which blocks the airway |
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|
Term
| According to the law what is a firearm |
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Definition
18 USC 921(a)(3) The term “firearm” means (A) any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; (B) the frame or receiver of any such weapon; (C) any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; or (D) any destructive device. Such term does not include an antique firearm. |
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|
Term
| What are the components of a firearm? |
|
Definition
| 1. firing mechanism 2. stock 3. barrel |
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|
Term
| In graze wounds, how is the direction of travel determined? |
|
Definition
| skin tags point towards the firearm or opposite the direction of travel. |
|
|
Term
| What 5 fluids are drawn during autopsy? |
|
Definition
| Vitreous Humor, Gastric Contents, Bile, Urine, Blood |
|
|
Term
| How many ribs do you have? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What is the most widely used autopsy technique? |
|
Definition
| Virchow, which is one organ at a time |
|
|
Term
| What body orientation terms are only used for extremities? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| Describe how petechial hemorrhages occur |
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Definition
| It is the result from the rupture of small blood vessels when the venous return of blood from the head is obstructed while the arterial blood flow to the head is maintained. |
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Term
|
Definition
| Pinpoint hemorrhages produced by the rupture of small vessels. See in sclera, conjunctiva, face and neck, visceral pleura and epicardium |
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Term
|
Definition
| Partial lack of oxygen in body tissue |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| Complete lack of oxygen in body tissue |
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|
Term
| How many pounds of pressure are required to occlude the jugular vein? |
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Definition
|
|
Term
| How many pounds of pressure are required to occlude the carotid arteries |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| How many pounds of pressure are required to occlude the trachea? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| How many pounds of pressure are required to occlude the vertebral arteries? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| How many pounds of pressure are required to occlude the following: Jugular Vein, Carotid Artery, Trachea, Vertebral Arteries |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Oxygen poor environment/situation, example bag over head |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| Environmental Suffocation: Occurs when individual is in an airtight or relatively airtight container or room and gradually consumes all available oxygen. Example: refrigerator baby, buried alive, elevator |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Obstruction or occlusion of the external airways |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Obstruction or occlusion of internal airways, pharynx, larynx, trachea
also known as cafe coronary |
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|
Term
| Define Mechanical Asphyxia |
|
Definition
| Two types, positional and traumatic. Positional is where the body is positioned in such a way that respiration is comprimised. Traumatic requires external pressure placed on the chest, neck, or uppor abdomin to make respiration difficult or impossible |
|
|
Term
| What is Gaseous Suffocation? |
|
Definition
| Occurs when an inert gas displaces oxygen in the environment |
|
|
Term
| What are some of the gases that cause gaseous suffocation? |
|
Definition
| Methane, Carbon Dioxide, Argon, Helium, Nitrogen |
|
|
Term
| What is the difference between Gaseous Suffocation and Chemical Asphyxia? |
|
Definition
| Chemical Asphyxia works at the cellular level and prevents cells from absorbing oxygen. Gaseous Suffocation is just displacement of the Oxygen in the area |
|
|
Term
| What is Chemical Asphyxia? |
|
Definition
| an act on the molecular or cellular level by hindering the deliverance of oxygen to the tissues-prevents the cells from utilizing the oxygen, survivable is removed from the environment |
|
|
Term
| What are some examples of chemicals that cause chemical asphyxia? |
|
Definition
| Carbon monoxide, cyanide, and hydrogen sulfide |
|
|
Term
| What is the most common way Carbon Monoxide is created? |
|
Definition
| It is a by-product of combustion present whenever fuel is burned |
|
|
Term
| What is the pulmonary pleura? |
|
Definition
| The membrane around the lungs |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| membrane around the heart |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| petechial hemorrhages in the pulmonary pleura and epicardium |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| 1cm hemorrhages larger than petechiae and sometimes raised |
|
|
Term
| Why is carbon monoxide so deadly? |
|
Definition
| It is colorless, odorless, and non-irritating |
|
|
Term
| What is a sign during autopsy of carbon monoxide poisoning? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What percentage of carbon monoxide causes definite death? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What percentage of Carbon Monoxide in the blood causes neurological impairment |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What is the common Carbon Monoxide level for house fires? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What is the normal Carbon Monoxide level in smokers? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| It is the compression of neck structures by a ligature placed around the neck that is constricted with the help of all or part of the body weight |
|
|
Term
| What manner of death are most hangings? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| Where are you more likely to see petechiae, partial or full suspension hangings? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What is an indentation around the neck where the ligature was placed called? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What type of furrow is indicative of suicide? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What type of furrow is indicative of a homicide? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What is an example of where a horizontal furrow is a suicide? |
|
Definition
| Multiple wraps around the neck in a hanging, self strangulation with zip ties |
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|
Term
| True or False: When taking the body down from a hanging you want to cut the ligature off of the neck to see the furrow |
|
Definition
| False: leave it on the body to go to the ME and the ME will remove it |
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|
Term
| What are some other things you may see with a hanging? |
|
Definition
| Prominent lividity. tongue protrusion, bruising, maybe fractures (uncommon) |
|
|
Term
| What is the classical judicial hangman's fracture? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What does the fracture of the hyoid bone and C2 most commonly suggest? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| compression of the neck structures by a force other than the body's own weight by manual squeezing or by application of a ligature. |
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|
Term
| Can you strangle yourself? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| Where might you find petechiae in strangulation? |
|
Definition
| facial, sclera, and conjunctiva |
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|
Term
| Define Autoerotic Asphyxiation |
|
Definition
| death in which the person accidentally hangs or strangles himself while intentionally inducing hypoxia for the purpose of sexual arousal |
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|
Term
| What are some scene findings in an autoerotic asphyxiation |
|
Definition
| release mechanism, private or solitary place, porn, nudity/partial nudity, mirrors, sex aides, video/camera setup |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| when a person submerged in water attempts to breathe and instead aspirates water, leading to a decrease in oxygen |
|
|
Term
| 2/3 of drowning occur during which season? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| 90% of drownings occur in [blank] |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| Of all drownings, what percentage are males? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| How much weight is needed to keep a body from rising in water? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What are some indicators of drowning? |
|
Definition
| travel abrasions (head, feet, hands, knee), washer woman feet and hands, hyper inflation and edema of lungs, sand and water in trachea or stomach, grasping of vegetation |
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|
Term
| In fire deaths, what are most death due to? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| If someone has a delayed death from fire, what is the most likely cause? |
|
Definition
| Sepsis, shock, fluid loss, respirator insufficiency |
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|
Term
| What are the 6 types of burns |
|
Definition
| flame, contact, radiant heat, scalding, chemical, electrical |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| it is where there is physical contact between the body and a flame |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| Physical contact between a body and hot object (not flame) |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| no physical contact, caused by heat wave |
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|
Term
| What 3 things govern the severity of radiant burns? |
|
Definition
| temperature of heat wave, time of exposure, covered or uncovered skin |
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|
Term
| With radiant burns will clothing lessen or worsen the burn? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| produced by moist heat or by application of a liquid at or near its boiling point |
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|
Term
| How can you tell the difference between an accidental versus intentional scalding burn |
|
Definition
| accidental will be on faces, hands, upper body. Intentional has clear lines of scalding, unburned fold in skin where kid trying to move away, stocking and glove pattern |
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|
Term
| Who is most at risk for scalding? |
|
Definition
| children and elderly (can't take care of themselves) |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| burns caused by irritants that are too basic or acidic |
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|
Term
| How acidic and how base does a chemical have to be to burn? |
|
Definition
| acidic pH<2, Basic pH>11.5 |
|
|
Term
| What is the pH of the human body? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| How do chemical burns work? |
|
Definition
| they cause coagulation of proteins in skin, resulting in the death of the tissue |
|
|
Term
| What is the human body's normal temperature? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What brain structure regulates body temperature |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What temperature is considered hyperthermia |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| what temperature is considered hypothermia? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| overheating- occurs when the individual's body can no longer compensate for the heat lead |
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|
Term
| What are some predisposing factors for hyperthermia? |
|
Definition
| very young or very old, dementia, significant medical disease, obesity, diabetes, antipsychotics, antidepressants, seizures, cocaine and meth |
|
|
Term
| What is an indicator in dehydration with hyperthermia cases? |
|
Definition
| pinch the skin and if it stays tented the person is dehydrated |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| When loss of body heat exceeds its production |
|
|
Term
| Does hypothermia occur faster in or out of water |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What is Rhabdomyolysis and when does it occur? |
|
Definition
| Breakdown of skeletal muscle and occurs with hyperthermia |
|
|
Term
| What is the mechanism of death for hyperthermia? |
|
Definition
| cardiac arrhythmia/dysrhythmia, seizure, shock |
|
|
Term
| Who are most at risk for environmental deaths? |
|
Definition
| very young and old, those with significant medical issues, dementia patients, those under influence of drugs and/or alcohol |
|
|
Term
| What is terminal burrowing? |
|
Definition
| The perimortem act by the disoriented, dying hypothermia victim, who while attempting to to protect himself from the cold, might attempt to burrow into snow, brush, or furniture |
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|
Term
| What is paradoxical undressing? |
|
Definition
| A perimortem act where the victim removes their clothing, associated with hypothermia |
|
|
Term
| Other than carbon monoxide, where can you see cherry red lividity? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What are Wischnevsky’s ulcers and when do they occur |
|
Definition
| Ulcers commonly seen in hypothermia deaths |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of your heart valves |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The narrowing of the aortic valve opening. It is a valvular disease |
|
|
Term
| What is Mitral Valve Prolapse |
|
Definition
| Mitral valve prolapse, also called MVP, is a condition in which the two valve flaps of the mitral valve don't close smoothly or evenly, but bulge (prolapse) upward into the left atrium. Mitral valve prolapse is also known as click-murmur syndrome, Barlow's syndrome or floppy valve syndrome. |
|
|
Term
| What system is the brain part of? |
|
Definition
| The central nervous system |
|
|
Term
| What system is the heart part of? |
|
Definition
| The cardiovascular or circulatory system |
|
|
Term
| What system are the lungs part of? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What system is the liver part of? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What system are the kidneys part of? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What organs are part of the digestive system? |
|
Definition
| Liver, stomach, and Intestines |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Exchanges carbon dioxide present in blood to oxygen |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| digests, absorbs, and processes food for use by the body and removes waste from undigested food |
|
|
Term
| Where is the gallbladder located? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What organ digests, absorbs, and processes food for use by the body? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What does the stomach do? |
|
Definition
| Releases enzymes, acids, and gastric juices which help in digestion and breakdown of food |
|
|
Term
| What organ controls the water balance in the body? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What organ filters blood and sifts out waste and extra water? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What is another name for the colon? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What do the intestines do? |
|
Definition
| Absorb nutrients from food and process them for use. They also remove water from undigested food to form stool |
|
|
Term
| What are the 3 parts of the sternum that form together? |
|
Definition
| Manubrium, body, xiphoid process |
|
|
Term
| Exit wounds display beveling on what side of the skull |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| Entrance wounds display beveling on what side of the skull? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What are the different means of positive identification? |
|
Definition
| Visual, Fingerprints, Radiology, DNA |
|
|
Term
| Is a wallet in the pants a positive ID or a tentative ID? Why |
|
Definition
| Tentative ID. A wallet can be moved. Transferable items do not give a positive ID |
|
|
Term
| A bullet that enters the body, but does does not exit the body is called what? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| A bullet that enters the body and exits, leaving an entrance and exit wound is called what? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| Name some characteristics of exit wounds. |
|
Definition
| typically larger and more irregular than entrance wounds; no abraded edges; no stippling/tattooing (when comparing intermediate range); edges can be stellate, circular, slit like, irregular, or crescent |
|
|
Term
| A [blank] wound results from the entry or exit site being in contact with another object is attempting to exit the body, thereby crushing the surrounding skin and causing an abraded appearance. |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What range of fire occurs as 2-24"? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What is a range of fire greater than 24" called? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What is a range that is less than 2" called, but not contact? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What is range is it called when the gun is pressed up against the victim? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What are features you may see with a contact range shot? |
|
Definition
| Soot in the wound, muzzle impression |
|
|
Term
| What features may you see with a close range shot? |
|
Definition
| soot and gunpowder residue along wound edges, muzzle impression, minor lacerations around wound |
|
|
Term
| What might minor lacerations around the mouth in a suspected GS death indicate? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What features may you see with an intermediate GS range? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| abrasions that appear to be stippling, but are caused by insects, fragmentation, or intermediate targets |
|
|
Term
| When looking at graze wounds, how can you tell the direction of travel? |
|
Definition
| skin tags point towards the shooter |
|
|
Term
| Name five (5) biological fluids that are drawn during the autopsy. |
|
Definition
| Blood, Urine, Bile, Gastric Contents, Vitreous Humor |
|
|
Term
[image]
Where are the skin tags and what is the direction of travel? |
|
Definition
| on the side next to lacerations and the direction of travel is left to right |
|
|
Term
| T/F: According to US Law a starter gun is not a firearm. |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| According to the U.S. Code, a firearm is any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a [blank] by the action of an [blank] |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| List a specific type of asphyxia death where petechiae would likely not be found? |
|
Definition
| Suffocation- no compression of the veins |
|
|
Term
| List a type of asphyxia death where petechiae would likely to be found? |
|
Definition
| Strangulation, possibly partial hangings because the vein may become occluded while the artery is not |
|
|
Term
| [blank] requires positioning of the body where breathing is compromised. |
|
Definition
| Positional Mechanical Asphyxiation |
|
|
Term
| What are some long-term effects to huffing? |
|
Definition
| damage to brain and other parts of nervous system. damage to heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. birth and developmental defects |
|
|
Term
| What are the 4 types of inhalants? |
|
Definition
| aerosols, gases, volatile solvents, nitrites |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| sprays that contain propellants and solvents. |
|
|
Term
| Give some examples of aerosols. |
|
Definition
| spray paint, deodorant, hair spray, vegetable oil spray, fabric protector sprays |
|
|
Term
| In regards to inhalants, what are gases? |
|
Definition
| medical anesthetics and gases used in household or commercial products |
|
|
Term
| In regards to inhalants, give some examples of gases |
|
Definition
| Chloroform, halothane, butane lighters, propane, refrigerants, and nitrous oxide |
|
|
Term
| What is most abused inhalant gas? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What are two common places to find nitrous oxide? |
|
Definition
| can be found in whipped cream dispensers and products that can boost octane levels in racing cars |
|
|
Term
| What are volatile solvents? |
|
Definition
| liquids that vaporize at room temperature |
|
|
Term
| What are some examples of volatile solvents? |
|
Definition
| paint thinners and removers, dry cleaning fluids, degreasers, gasoline, glues, correction fluids, and felt-tip markers |
|
|
Term
| In inhalants, what are nitrates? |
|
Definition
| special class of inhalants that don't act directly on the Central Nervous System, but dilate the blood vessels and relax muscles. |
|
|
Term
| What are nitrates primarily used for? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| sniffing or snorting fumes from containers; spraying aerosols directly into the nose or mouth; bagging (sniffing or inhaling fumes while in a plastic or paper bag; huffing from an inhalant-soaked rag stuffed in the mouth; inhaling from filled baloons |
|
|
Term
| List 3 duties and or responsibilities of the MDI |
|
Definition
| Scene examination of the body, testifying in court, obtaining medical records, determining if a body is ME's jurisdiction, ME case disposition, determining need for full autopsy |
|
|
Term
| List 3 specific factors the ME may consider when determining the COD |
|
Definition
| Past medical history of the deceased, the scene exam by the MDI, The autopsy (injuries, natural disease, toxicology, external and internal examination) |
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