Forensic Science in Healthcare : Caring for Patients, Preserving the Evidence

This book contains basic forensic information necessary for healthcare professionals to assess and manage victims of trauma and criminal behavior. Chapters cover information on types of wounds and how to describe them, various types of evidence that may be encountered in the healthcare setting, and general principles of evidence collection. Common evidentiary items such as clothing, foreign objects, trace evidence, biological evidence, and bite marks are discussed and collection procedures are identified. A glossary of terms is included and a downloadable CD-ROM with information and printable templates such as human body diagrams supplements the text.

First responders confronted by forensic cases are forced to consider the competing concerns of administering proper medical treatment while at the same time safeguarding vital evidence. Forensic Science in Healthcare: Caring for Patients, Preserving the Evidence presents precise on-scene protocol designed to ensure that the actions of the response team provide the necessary care and yet maintain the integrity of the evidence for legal purposes.

Following an introduction to forensics, the book explains how to recognize and identify patients with forensic issues, offers guidelines on proper documentation, and provides tips on forensic photography and capturing critical images. It reviews basic principles of evidence collection before moving into specific case scenarios, including domestic violence, sexual assault, child and elder abuse, youth violence, and death investigation. The book also examines occupational concerns for forensic personnel as well as legal issues such as testifying in depositions and in court.

Enhanced with photographs, illustrations, templates for documentation, and case-specific recommendations, this one-stop reference provides first responders with practical understanding of the steps that should be followed to ensure not only patient protection but evidence preservation.