Coroners
Coroners direct activities such as autopsies, pathological and toxicological analyses, and inquests relating to the investigation of deaths occurring within a legal jurisdiction to determine the cause of death or to fix responsibility for accidental, violent, or unexplained deaths.
A coroner assistant job primarily deals with determining and certifying the cause of death. Besides determining the cause of death, coroners are also responsible for identifying the body, notifying the family, signing the death certificate, and returning any personal belongings found on the body to the deceased's family Moreover, the coroner’s inquest the manner or cause of death.
To work in coroners’ assistant jobs, one must be at least eighteen years old, possess a high school diploma and have experience as a medical examiner or coroner. In addition, they should have practical experience in the major job responsibility of conducting death investigations.
Coroner’s inquest work requires certain skills of advanced investigation and critical thinking skills. They must also have strong interpersonal skills because they work closely with law enforcement officials, doctors, and the families of the deceased.
Coroners mainly work in medical facilities, offices and at crime scenes. Therefore, they mostly find job roles in healthcare, government and law enforcement. Coroners’ salary varies depending on experience and location.
To succeed in a coroners’ assistant job, candidates should be knowledgeable about investigative techniques and principles, medical terminology, interviewing techniques and gathering information, physiology and anatomy.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- B.Sc. Forensic Medical Science
- MBBS Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
Tasks
- Perform medicolegal examinations and autopsies, conducting preliminary examinations of the body to identify victims, locate signs of trauma, and identify factors that would indicate time of death.
- Inquire into the cause, manner, and circumstances of human deaths and establish the identities of deceased persons.
- Complete death certificates, including the assignment of cause and manner of death.
- Observe and record the positions and conditions of bodies and related evidence.
- Collect and document any pertinent medical history information.
- Observe, record, and preserve any objects or personal property related to deaths, including objects such as medication containers and suicide notes.
- Complete reports and forms required to finalize cases.
- Remove or supervise removal of bodies from death scenes, using the proper equipment and supplies, and arrange for transportation to morgues.
- Interview persons present at death scenes to obtain information useful in determining the manner of death.
- Testify at inquests, hearings, and court trials.
Progression Routes
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