Post date: Jan 17, 2015 3:50:44 PM
(John Bohn - November 21, 2014)
One of the issues that came up several times during the fire investigation training held earlier this month for all shifts at Mountain View Fire was whether or not we should cover victims. Previously we had taught to cover the remains for protection and, unfortunately, conceivably introduce something else to the scene. I was able to have a conversation with Boulder County Chief Deputy Coroner Dustin Bueno about this. As always, good judgement comes first in preserving the remains AND the scene for further investigation into the cause of death regardless of the cause. By nature, fires can be more destructive to the remains than other conditions surrounding a death. The following is a revision and clarification to the presentation Sue Cullen and I developed and revised over the past few years.
Deceased Victims – Use Your Judgment
Protect the body and the area around the body from:
Introduction of any further contamination or damage
Public view
Assign someone to “guard” the remains until an Investigator or Coroner’s Office member arrives
Do not cover the body if the scene is relatively cold and the remains can be protected
Create a scene within the scene
Prohibit entry into the room or area
Cover the body if there is the possibility of further damage to and/or adding materials on top of the body due to the fire fight or overhaul
Cover with:
A sterile sheet is best;
A brand new tarp is second choice;
Avoid plastic if there is still significant heat;
A bunker coat works if the fire is still raging and the fire has a potential to further burn the body.
Chief Deputy Coroner Dustin Bueno was forthcoming and helpful. He urges us to contact him with any questions that we may have at any time. 303-441-3535
Information about him and his role:
Chief Deputy Coroner: Dustin Bueno. Mr. Bueno is responsible for the day to day administration of the office and the management of the investigations staff. Mr. Bueno has several years of experience working in the field of medico-legal death investigation and private investigations. Mr. Bueno was previously a Deputy Coroner at Adams County Coroner’s Office; as a supervisor and field training officer he created a death investigation training program, and wrote numerous office procedures. Mr. Bueno is experienced in assisting at autopsy procedures and has extensive training in toxicology, radiography, latent fingerprint collection and identification, and photography. Mr. Bueno has produced numerous educational presentations for law enforcement and the community, and he has taught on numerous career related topics.
John A. Bohn, CFEI, IAAI-CFI®, CFII, CVFI
303.591.5784 Cell
303.990.9509 Fax