“Why do we do what we do? Does it matter to the decedent? They know how they died. We’re there for the family, the criminal justice system, the medical system, and the public health system.”
– Dr. Gregory Schmunk, former president of the National Association of Medical Examiners
Death-scene investigators are among the first professionals to come face to face with individuals and caregivers during a death event. Investigators and their medicolegal colleagues play a critical role in survivors’ short and long-term coping.
Autopsy and investigation laws, protocol, and training vary by jurisdiction, but here are a few ways medicolegal professionals can facilitate a compassionate death investigation.
Medicolegal professionals can facilitate a compassionate death investigation
Understand that every interaction is a hallmark memory
Death investigators may encounter several deaths in a day or month. But for people, the death of their loved ones is a singular event. Every interaction with death investigators and associated staff has the potential to create lasting memories, both loving and painful. Recognize the importance of every interaction and its potential to support both short- and long-term coping.
Approach investigations with compassion and seek every opportunity to reduce harm
Always remember that you are meeting people on what is likely the worst day of their lives. Calmly help them learn what to expect from a death investigation, make sure a chaplain or faith leader is on the way if needed, and answer questions as thoroughly and honestly as possible. Gentle and compassionate care should be taken when death investigations require specific interactions or the replaying of events, especially in the hours and days following a death when confusion and grief “volumes” are high.
Allow people to say goodbye
People report bitter and debilitating regret when they are prevented from saying goodbye to their loved one. Allowing people to spend time with their loved one’s body is an important way to honor the relationships they fostered. Limited ability to view their loved one (due to office hours or other constraints) can result in feelings that their loved one is no longer their own, and that they have been annexed by a system in which they have no control. While many jurisdictions are moving toward fingerprint identification or photos of the deceased, the research is clear: Saying goodbye to their loved one is an important event.
Refer to resources and support
Whenever possible, share support resources with people. Many experts state that most people are not ready or eager for mental health support for six to nine months following a death, particularly for violent deaths. Providing a list of resources or providers to people in the weeks or months that follow an investigation may be helpful. Check for national programs and services if none are available locally.
Notify people when the autopsy report is ready
Receiving an autopsy report is a painful experience. Some are eager to understand the specific cause or manner of death, while others may decide to leave the report unopened for decades. Notifying them that a report is available or has been mailed is an important and compassionate step toward preventing unexpected information. Consider labeling any envelope clearly so that they understands an autopsy is inside.
Provide organ donation opportunity respectfully
Not every bereaved individual will be open to organ donation. Some will be highly resistant and untrusting. Take care not to push too hard, as that can create an overwhelming aversion.
Research shows that organ donation, and by extension helping another person, can be a meaningful and positive experience for bereaved individuals. Donor organs are especially scarce for children because the size of an organ matters; there are relatively few size-matched deaths of younger children to provide enough livers, hearts, and lungs to meet the demand.
The Gift of Life Donor Program works closely with medical examiners and coroners nationwide to ensure successful outcomes for all organ and tissue donations, while simultaneously supporting the forensic needs of investigators. That collaboration is important in honoring the decision of people to donate and is considered a best practice, by the National Association of Medical Examiners.
Recognize that culture matters
Connect with a network of community leaders who can support bereaved individuals’ various religious and cultural needs. As an investigation unfolds, there are numerous moments when people can be further traumatized and when their efforts to honor their loved one are not respected. For example, many individuals want to set up shrines and have rites performed with their loved one’s body.
Seek self-care
Given the circumstances of responding to fatal emergencies, many professionals can be at risk of developing post-traumatic stress. Understand that scenes themselves can pose a health risk and seek self-care in the aftermath. Many forms of support may be required to cope with the continual exposure to stress, death and trauma. Taking care of yourself is fundamental to serving yourself and your community.