Essential Knowledge Shared by Experts in Death Investigation
WCMEA | Training Presentations
WCMEA Training Presentations:
Training presentations capture the insights and expertise of seasoned professionals, helping WCMEA members stay current with evolving protocols, technologies, and legal considerations. By reviewing these materials, members can reinforce their learning, share knowledge with colleagues, and uphold the highest standards of practice in every investigation. This archive ensures continued education is always within reach.
Welcome to the WCMEA Training Presentations Archive
This page hosts a curated collection of training presentations delivered at WCMEA events, conferences, and educational sessions. These materials are provided to help coroners, medical examiners, and investigative staff deepen their understanding of forensic procedures, medicolegal standards, and emerging topics in the field. Whether you’re revisiting a session or expanding your knowledge base, these presentations serve as a valuable on-demand resource.
Postmortem Interval – the “Third Rail” of Death Investigation
Description:
Dr. Brian Peterson explores the enduring challenge of estimating time since death—known as the postmortem interval (PMI)—in medicolegal investigations. This paper reviews traditional methods (body temperature formulas, vitreous potassium analysis, livor and rigor mortis), highlights their limitations, and surveys modern approaches like protein degradation “clocks,” muscle tensile strength studies, and forensic entomology, ultimately underscoring that PMI determination remains an educated approximation rather than exact science.
Death & Product handling of Implantable Pacemakers and defibrillators
Description:
A two-page technical bulletin from CRM Technical Services U.S. (Rev B.1, February 3, 2009) outlining standardized procedures for postmortem management of implantable pulse generators (IPGs) and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). Covers whether and when to remove devices, safe disabling of ICD therapy, step-by-step removal techniques, handling and return protocols, legal prohibitions on reimplantation, cremation precautions, special guidance for nuclear-powered generators, and contact information for submitting explanted units for analysis.
Understanding Tissue Banking & How it Can Compliment Death Investigation
Description:
An in-depth article by Lou Jares, CTBS, CEBT, D-ABMDI, examining how tissue banking and medicolegal death investigation can work synergistically. It begins with a historical overview of tissue banking and explains the roles of recovery teams and processors. The paper then outlines best practices for cross-training, communication, and protocols for pre- and post-autopsy tissue recovery. Three detailed case studies illustrate successful collaborations that preserve forensic evidence while maximizing transplantable tissue. Finally, it offers practical recommendations for forging strong, trust-based partnerships between Tissue Recovery Organizations and Coroner/Medical Examiner offices.