American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Practice Exam

In the case of a natural death investigation, it is important to?

1. Accept family opinions on the cause of death

2. Contact the deceased's physician

3. Base findings on paramedic opinions

4. Determine cause and manner of death on-site

The correct answer is: Contact the deceased's physician

In a natural death investigation, contacting the deceased's physician is crucial because the physician possesses important medical history and insights that can provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the death. The physician's records may contain diagnoses, treatments, and relevant health issues that contribute to understanding whether the death was indeed of natural causes. Additionally, the physician may be able to provide context on any ongoing medical conditions that could have led to the death. While family opinions can provide context and personal insights about the deceased's health, they are not a substitute for medical expertise. Paramedics may have initial assessments based on observable signs, but they are not equipped to make definitive conclusions about the cause and manner of death. Similarly, determining the cause and manner of death on-site without the benefit of medical records or a physician's expertise can lead to incomplete or inaccurate conclusions. Therefore, reaching out to the deceased's doctor is the most reliable step in ensuring an informed investigation.