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Verification of Death (CPG A0203-2)

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Stop

  • Qualified Paramedics may provide verification of death

  • Certification of death is still provided by a physician (typically the ME)

  • Police must be notified for reportable or reviewable death

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Verification of death criteria

  • No palpable pulse

  • No heart sounds for 2/60

  • No breath sounds for 2/60

  • Fixed and dilated pupils

  • No response to centralised stimulus

  • No motor response to nail bed pressure

  • ECG strip shows asystole (optional)

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Ideally the determinants of death should be evaluated 5 - 10 min after cessation of resus to ensure late ROSC does not occur.

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