Investigating Infant Deaths

ISBN-13: 9780849382048 / Angielski / Twarda / 2007 / 226 str.

O'Neal Jo O'Neal; Bobbi Jo O'Neal

Opis

It stands to reason that the most difficult cases to investigate are those in which the individual s death was sudden, unexpected, and unexplained. Very few deaths occur where the deceased has no significant medical history, no trauma, no significant autopsy findings, and very little social history in which to investigate. Infant deaths almost always fit this category, making them consistently the most complicated and challenging deaths to investigate. Investigating Infant Deaths draws on the expertise of a forensic nurse and member of the CDC core team for the Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Investigation Reporting Form to provide medicolegal death investigators and law enforcement personnel with investigative techniques applicable to sudden unexpected infant deaths. Beginning with a general state-of-the-field, the author defines the role of the investigator and explains the benefits of double-teaming an investigation. The book emphasizes the importance of timing and gives crucial tips for examining the incident scene and performing an initial post-mortem external exam. Specific instruction regarding the art of interviewing the grieving parents and how to follow up with families gives investigators an important edge when autopsy findings are slim. Additional chapters cover how to use a doll re-enactment and how to review medical records, social service records, and criminal histories. It also illustrates how to set up task forces including State Child Fatality Teams and an Investigative Child Death Review at the local level. Case studies are used throughout the book to give investigators real-life examples of the techniques at work. Presenting a workable approach that may facilitate a re-evaluation of current protocols, Investigating Infant Deaths provides the tools for continued improvement that will ensure all infant deaths are investigated thoroughly and thereby help prevent future premature infant deaths from occurring."

Spis treści

Investigating Infant Deaths: Why Is It Important?
The Process
The Impact
Why Are They Difficult to Investigate?
What Is Being Done about It?
Current Statistics
Goal and Text Organization
Maternal and Infant Health: What Investigators Should Know
Maternal Health
Infant Health
Infant Growth and Development
The Investigation Begins: Timing Is Everything
A Common Beginning
Think outside the Box
Advanced Notification
Following Death Notification
Double-Team Approach
First Responders: Their Observations Are Important
9-1-1 Emergency Calls
First Responders
Initial Postmortem External Assessment
Logistics
Photodocumentation
Performing the External Assessment
Equipment Needed
Assessing the Infant’s General Appearance
Skin Assessment
Body Diagram
Physical Evidence
Transporting the Body
Infant Death Scene Investigation: It Tells a Story
Death Scene Investigation: When Does It Begin?
Macro vs. Micro: What Is the Difference?
Documenting the Macroenvironment
Documenting the Microenvironment
Evidence or Chain of Custody
Day-Care Centers
The Art of Interviewing
Interview Basics
Types of Interviews
Initial Interview
Clarification Interview
Follow-Up Interview
Interrogation
Doll Reenactment with Scene Walk-Through
The Opposition
Benefits of Doll Reenactments
Preplanning: Doll Reenactment and Scene Walk-Through
Equipment
Preplanning the Doll Reenactment: What to Consider
Explain Procedure to Law Enforcement
Explain Procedure to Witnesses
Initiating the Scene Walk-Through and Doll Reenactment
Investigative Concerns
The Forensic Autopsy: The Investigator’s Role
Why Should MDIs Be Informed?
Autopsy Basics
Communication
The Infant Forensic Autopsy: Before, During, and After
Records Review: Let the Records Speak
HIPAA
Infant’s Medical Record Review
Pharmacy Records
State Health and Home Health Agencies
Family Medical Records Review
Social Service Records Review
Birth Certificates
School Records
Criminal Records Review
Previous Infant Deaths
Child Death Review: It Brings It All Together
History
Types of CDRs
ICDR
Retrospective CDRs
Family or Caregiver Follow-Up and Referral
Family Follow-Up
Family Referrals
Where Do We Go from Here?
Death Investigation Guidelines
Agency Policies and Protocols
Professional Certification
Death Certificate Completion
Proactive Prevention Initiatives
Index

O autorze

Bobbi Jo O'Neal