Guidance

Sudden unexpected death: medical investigation

Provides advice for forensic practitioners on dealing with the initial stages of a sudden and unexplained death.

Applies to England and Wales

Documents

Practice advice: Dealing with sudden unexpected death

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Practice advice: The medical investigation of suspected homicide

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Details

This guidance provides advice on dealing with the initial stages of a sudden and unexplained death, for those cases where a decision is made that medical assistance is required. It also covers the role and provision of forensic pathology assistance in police death investigations.

Updates to this page

Published 25 October 2017
Last updated 7 March 2024 + show all updates
  1. Published updated versions of dealing with sudden unexpected death and the medical investigation of suspected homicide practice advice guides.

  2. Sudden unexpected death guidance updated.

  3. First published.

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