Course Offerings

This course introduces the student to the objectives, needs, and strategies to function as a local medical examiner (LME). NCGS §130A-382(b) requires that all LMEs complete continuing education training as directed by the OCME. This training program will be based upon established and published medical examiner guidelines for conducting death investigations. The competency in the practice of medicolegal death investigation is necessary to ensure candidates understand the basic requirements and skills necessary to perform LME duties. Medicolegal death investigation topics such as: North Carolina state statutes, Interacting with state, local and federal agencies, Communication, Interacting with Families, Investigation techniques, Identifying and preservation of evidence, Maintaining ethical and legal responsibilities, Demonstrating scientific knowledge, Coping with job related stress, and Practicum training: Eternal exams, Mock death scene, and Paperwork (RIMES/DC's).

Course Objectives

have a solid knowledge of the North Carolina Medical Examiner system.

know how to conduct medicolegal death investigations independently.

learn to navigate scene investigation and apply concepts to discern between trauma, natural deaths, suicide, homicide, postmortem artifact, children/infants (SUIDI form), and skeletal remains.


properly complete RIMES and death certificates.

Outline of Instruction

I. Welcome and Introduction to the NC Medical Examiner System by the Chief Medical Examiner (video recording if not on site)
II. Guidelines and Statutes
a. NC Medical Examiner System
b. Statutes and Guidelines
c. ME Duties and Responsibilities
d. Professionalism
III. Medicolegal Death Investigation
a. Scene Investigation
b. Documenting and Evaluating the Scene
c. Interview of Witnesses
d. Gathering and review of records
e. Case reporting
f. Tools for investigation
IV. Child Death Investigation
V. Blunt Force Injuries
VI. Sharp Force Trauma
VII. Gunshot Wounds
VIII. Environmental Deaths
IX. Unidentified/Unclaimed/Anthropology
X. Death Certification
a. Cause of death
b. Manner of death
c. Phraseology
d. How to handle Non-ME cases
XI. NC DAVE (complete DC together on big screen)
a. How to navigate the system
b. Enrollment
XII. RIMES (complete RIME together on big screen)
a. Basic navigation
b. Report writing
XIII. Toxicology
a. Toxicology Request Form
b. Basic overview of lab
c. Required testing
d. Special circumstances
XIV. External Exams

Contact Hours

40

CEUs

1

Industry Standard, State or National Certification

Certification

None

Website

None

Certification Learning Outcomes/Requirements

CE or CU Articulation

No

Prerequisites

Paramedic, RN, Dentist, or Physician.

Learning Supplies Needed

None.

Clinical Site/Special Facilities

None.

Requirements for Successful Completion

100% attendance

Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements

N/A

Intended Audience

Paramedics, dentists, nurses, or physicians.

Specific Industry or Business Support Needs

Medical Examiner

Wake County Need for Industry Positions

Medical Examiner training for daily operations and disasters.

Industry or Job Titles Related to Training Outcomes for Employment

EMS

Related Courses

Course Contact Information

Billy Langston
919-866-6085
[email protected]