Course Catalog
Online learning programs consisting of all or a subset of 38 e-learning modules (each module with an average length of 15 minutes). From 5 to 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) can be applied to your national and state recertification requirements, depending on the course completed. These programs extend to all First Responders who have a vested interest in maintaining the integrity of crime and death scene evidence.
Preserving Evidence Integrity at Crime and Death Scenes
A series of guidelines for first responding agencies (EMS, Fire and Police) for use to maintain the integrity of crime scenes, possible crime scenes and scenes involving unattended deaths. The program covers topics such as Postmortem Interval, Declaration of Death, Do Not Resuscitate Orders, Sudden Unexplained Instant Death, Evidence Preservation, Active Shooter Scenes…and more.
Once completed, the learner will receive twenty (20) hours of continuing education credits that can be applied to national and state recertification requirements.
Crime and Death Scenes: Declaration of Death and Other Consideration for the First Responder
Death scenes are commonly responded to by First Responders. Most of these scenes are considered unattended deaths, requiring special handling by the First Responder. Each of these scenes will require an investigation by a law enforcement agency to determine if jurisdiction is to be claimed by the medical examiner or coroner’s office. The integrity of the evidence on each scene must be maintained until such time as a law enforcement agency arrives and takes control of the scene.
In this program you will be introduced to the concept of Postmortem Interval and the signs of death. This will provide a foundation for the remaining modules that explore victim resuscitation, declaration of death, as well as other common concerns on a death scene.
Once completed, the learner will receive five (5) hours of continuing education credits that can be applied to national and state recertification requirements.
Crime and Death Scenes: Scene Management for the First Responder
The ultimate responsibility for the management of death and crime scenes lies with one of several law enforcement agencies. This can be multi-jurisdictional; a law enforcement agency may be responsible for the evidence on scene, while the medical examiner or coroner’s office may have jurisdiction over the body of a decedent.
The first responder will very seldom have authority over evidence collection on these scenes. However, in the normal course of operations first responders are often the first on scene and should consider the management of that scene until such time as the scene comes under the control of a law enforcement agency.
In these modules the first responder will be introduced to some of the important considerations on all scenes, including what may be encountered, and the importance of evidence preservation on these scenes.
Once completed, the learner will receive five (5) hours of continuing education credits that can be applied to national and state recertification requirements.
Crime and Death Scenes: Special Scenes/Considerations for the First Responder
First responders respond to a variety of death and crime scenes. Many of these scenes require special considerations on how to handle certain aspects of these scenes, including the importance of evidence preservation.
In these modules the important considerations of some of these scenes will be discussed. Additionally, the subject of interacting with family members of a decedent will be introduced, as well as some of the issues associated with the mental well-being of the first responder.
Once completed, the learner will receive five (5) hours of continuing education credits that can be applied to national and state recertification requirements.
Crime and Death Scenes: Legal Considerations for the First Responder
The first responder must be aware of some of the legal considerations when responding to a death or crimes scene. This includes consent for treatment and privacy considerations.
These considerations extend to other areas including testifying in a deposition or courtroom trial, which is not uncommon when responding to these types of scenes.
The possible negative repercussions of using a personal cell phone to take pictures of patients and scenes is something the first responder should be cognizant of. It has become common, with the proliferation of cell phones that contain camaras, for first responders to use their personal phone to take pictures on the scene. The negative consequences of doing so can be formidable.
In these modules the first responder will be introduced to some of the important legal aspects of responding to these scenes.
Once completed, the learner will receive five (5) hours of continuing education credits that can be applied to national and state recertification requirements.