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An external body examination of a decedent  is essential at two stages in the forensic science process. The first time an external examination is carried out is upon discovery of a corpse. At this point the body should be checked for visible signs of injury and those injuries that are most likely to have caused subsequent death. At this stage both the medicolegal death investigator or coroner and authorized police personnel are present, and the body is checked over in what is known as a preliminary external examination.

The medicolegal investigator should take careful photographs of the body and surrounding area – in particular wounds and defects located. These photographs should be taken with and without scale so as to identify the size and shape of the injuries while still at the scene and before the body has been moved.  Clothing should also be examined for any signs of excreted bodily fluids and/or fibers.

Once the body has been removed from the scene  and taken for pathological examination there is another external examination to be carried out before an autopsy can be completed.

Initial Observations

Initial findings of Livor Mortis, Rigor Mortis and Algor Mortis needs to be documented as well as any evidence of insect or animal degradation of the body. Summarize the initial observation of body; position, surface resting on, stage or presence of decomposition,  and clothing. Not only what clothing is present,  but how the clothing is arranged or worn.  Could the clothing  indicate redress or dragging?

Identification and Documentation

It is important that all wounds, defects, scars, tattoos, broken bones, or any other notable areas observed be well documented. Careful notes should be taken at the scene whether these are hand written or digitally recorded. This will aid in the proper summarization of the exam in your official case report. Refer to your agency’s policy concerning retaining or destroying notes or recordings.

A forensic body exam chart like the one you can find here:  Male   Female  can be used to show areas of defects on the body. If using these charts be sure to indicate what your markings stand for in a key chart at the bottom of the page.  Always indicate the head direction  North and summarize this in your report.  This will aid in recreation or explanation at a later time.

Use of Medical Terms

While it is vital that you properly identify areas of the body and refrain from using “unprofessional” terms,  use of medical terms can be helpful. Keep in mind however that your report needs to be understand by everyone – from medical personnel to family of the deceased.  Further caution when using terms is be sure that you are using the terms correctly and can explain terms when asked. Never use terms to sound knowledgable when you lack the education level to properly explain them.

Episode Guests

  Julio Estrada

Julio Estrada is the supervising investigator for the San Diego County Medical Examiners Office. Julio has 18 years experience  as a death investigator, 14 as a supervisor. Previous experience as a emergency medical technician and 10 years as a physician in Mexico.

Paul Parker

Paul R. Parker III is a 26-year public sector professional.   Paul has over 18 years of medicolegal death investigation experience, to include seven years in Chief Investigator roles at San Diego County (CA) and Maricopa County (Phoenix, AZ), two of the country’s largest Medical Examiner’s Offices (MEO), and the Director of the Pinal County Medical Examiner’s Office, a growing MEO between Phoenix and Tucson. Local and state agencies consult Paul on medicolegal death investigation issues, request guidance about preferred MEO operations and practices, and are recipients of his medicolegal education and outreach programs. Find out more at parkermls.com

Paul is a Registered Diplomate with the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (D-ABMDI, #790) and has conducted in excess of 15,000 medicolegal death investigations and reviewed and approved reports and circumstances of an additional 20,000 medicolegal death investigations.

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