As a professional biohazard cleanup company, our primary responsibility is to safely and thoroughly remediate areas affected by biohazards following a death. However, before we can begin the death cleanup process, the scene must first be officially released by the appropriate authorities.
This series will provide insight into the death investigation process—outlining the critical steps that take place before biohazard professionals are permitted to enter and restore the affected area. Understanding these procedures ensures transparency and awareness of the necessary legal and investigative protocols that precede biohazard cleanup efforts.
Initial Notification and Response Determination
When a death is reported, the initial notification typically comes from law enforcement, first responders, or healthcare providers. From there, the following steps take place:
- Documentation of the Initial Death Report
Upon receiving a death notification, a Medicolegal Death Investigator (MDI) is responsible for collecting and documenting crucial details, which may include:
- Reporting agency details
- Name and contact information of the reporting individual
- Associated law enforcement case number or hospital medical record number
- Decedent’s demographic information (name, date of birth, age, race, ethnicity, biological sex, and/or gender)
- Suspected cause and manner of death
- Medical history and summary of the terminal events
- Scene safety concerns
Accurate documentation by an MDI is crucial for a thorough and legally sound investigation.
- Determining Medicolegal Jurisdiction
The investigator assesses the case to determine whether the death falls under medicolegal jurisdiction. The following deaths generally require medicolegal authority:
- Suspected or confirmed homicides
- Suspected or apparent suicides
- Accidental deaths
- Discovery of skeletal remains
- Unnatural or unexpected deaths of infants or children
- Deaths occurring while in police custody
- Natural deaths where no primary care provider is available to sign the death certificate
If the death is determined to be from a clearly documented natural cause, and an authorized individual is available to sign the death certificate, the case may be released from medicolegal jurisdiction. In such cases, the MDI:
- Document the criteria used for releasing the case
- Record the name of the individual and agency to whom the case was released
- Have a coroner, medical examiner, or trained personnel review and approve the decision
- Evaluating the Need for a Scene Response
If the death falls under medicolegal jurisdiction, the MDI is responsible for determining whether to respond to the scene, based on agency policies and procedures.
- Whenever possible, the MDI should visit the scene in person.
- If an on-site response is not feasible, the MDI:
- Document the time and details of the body’s removal authorization
- Ensure that law enforcement or investigative agencies obtain comprehensive photographs and videos
A scene response is always preferred, but if circumstances prevent it, proper documentation and collaboration with responding agencies are crucial.
- Preparation and Collaboration for a Safe Response
Once jurisdiction has been accepted, the MDI ensures that all appropriate agencies are notified and that preparations are made for a safe, effective, and coordinated scene response.
Preparation Includes:
- Obtaining information about the state of the scene and the body before arrival
- Identifying potential hazards, such as:
- Weather conditions, weapons, or environmental dangers
- Chemical, biological, radiological, or explosive threats
- Scene security concerns (e.g., animals or physical obstructions)
- Determining required special handling procedures and necessary personnel
Collaboration Involves:
MDIs coordinate with various agencies, including:
- Law enforcement and forensic pathologists
- Crime lab personnel and district attorneys
- Public health officials and emergency management teams
- Organ and tissue procurement agencies
- Funeral homes and body transport services
A well-coordinated response ensures a thorough investigation and allows for a smooth transition to the next phase.
