Who Picks Up Dead Bodies from Incident Scenes: A Comprehensive Guide

The process of handling dead bodies from incident scenes is an essential but often overlooked aspect of forensic science and public safety. Different regions may have unique systems, but overall, the role of the Medical Examiner and the processes involved can vary significantly.

Responsibilities of the Medical Examiner

Across the United States, the role of the Medical Examiner is crucial. In Houston, Texas, the Medical Examiner for Harris County is responsible for investigating the cause and manner of death for all deaths within the county. This individual or their team must ensure that a relevant physician certifies the cause of death or conduct their own investigation if necessary.

Investigating on Scene

In cases of homicide, suicide, or accidents, the Medical Examiner or their investigator may request that a body be transported to a forensic center for further examination. This often involves an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death. Prior to this, the Medical Examiner may send an investigator to the scene to begin their preliminary investigation.

The role of the investigator is critical. They not only examine the body but also gather evidence and document the scene. In the 1980s, local funeral homes often received calls from the Medical Examiner to transport bodies from such scenes, but this process was fraught with challenges.

Historical Transport Systems

Initially, the Medical Examiner lacked the capability to transport bodies themselves. As a result, they would often call a local funeral home, typically in rotation among all, to perform this transport. Funeral directors would then receive calls to go to the scene to take the body to the forensic center when the investigator was ready.

Nelsen’s first experience as a Funeral Director in the 1980s involved handling such calls. He would go to crime scenes, accident sites, and even homes where fatalities were discovered, provided by landlords who noticed foul odors.

One of the significant issues with this system was that the body served as crucial evidence in potential crimes. Letting the body out of the custody of the Medical Examiner meant that the chain of custody became complex. Investigators and defense attorneys heavily scrutinize the chain of custody, questioning whether the body was tampered with in any way.

Changes to the System

Recognizing the importance of maintaining the chain of custody, the commissioners court for Harris County voted around 1990 to allow the Medical Examiner to hire and equip their own transport team. Today, this streamlined process ensures that the body remains under the strict supervision of the Medical Examiner's team.

In other locations, similar systems are in place, but the specific roles and practices may vary. Regardless of the system used, the process must be thorough and transparent to ensure the integrity of the investigation.

The Transport Process

The transport process for deceased individuals can vary based on their condition. If a person is still alive, they will be taken to the hospital by an ambulance. If they are determined to be deceased on the way to the hospital, they will be transported to the morgue for further investigation. If the deceased person is declared dead at the scene, ambulance personnel will not touch them, and an undertaker will be responsible for pickup.

This process is critical as it ensures the proper handling and care of the body, preserving it for further investigation and providing comfort to the family of the deceased.

Overall, the process of picking up and transporting dead bodies from incident scenes is a complex and delicate operation. Proper procedures and adherence to law and protocol are essential to ensure the integrity of the investigation and the respect due to the deceased.