6 Questions
Give three examples of deaths that are considered natural.
dying of a heart attack, a stroke, kidney failure or complications related to Covid-19
What are some circumstances under which deaths are seen as unnatural?
Deaths due to violence and the consequences of the injuries that result in death, deaths resulting from external physical factors that impact on the body, deaths resulting from the effect of a chemical substance, when an anaesthetic was administered or the person had a surgical procedure shortly before death
Provide examples of deaths resulting from external physical factors.
deaths in a vehicle accident, being struck by lightning, dying during a natural disaster such as a flood (e.g. drowning)
When is a post mortem examination performed by a forensic pathologist?
A post mortem examination is performed by a forensic pathologist when a person dies suddenly without pre-existing illness or if the death is unexplained, or when it is suspected that the death was due to an act or neglect to act by any person including medical staff.
Give an example of an act that can result in a death being classified as non-natural.
An example of an act that can result in a death being classified as non-natural is when a person dies as a result of medication which is injected intravenously (in the blood vessels) instead of being injected into the muscle.
Provide an example of omission to act that can lead to a death being classified as non-natural.
An example of omission to act that can lead to a death being classified as non-natural is when a person with no medical aid reports at a private hospital with severe chest pain but is refused medical assistance, and subsequently dies of a heart attack upon leaving the hospital.
Study Notes
Natural Deaths
- Heart failure due to underlying medical condition
- Death from old age
- Death from longstanding illness (e.g. cancer)
Unnatural Deaths
- Deaths resulting from external factors or intentional acts
- Circumstances: homicide, suicide, accidental injuries, poisoning, or drug overdose
Deaths from External Physical Factors
- Fatal road accidents
- Electrocution
- Drowning
- Fatal falls from heights
Post Mortem Examination
- Performed by a forensic pathologist to determine cause of death when:
- Death is sudden, unexpected, or suspicious
- Death is unnatural (homicide, suicide, accidental)
- Death occurs during medical procedure or in custody
Non-Natural Deaths
- Example of act: Shooting someone intentionally
- Example of omission to act: Failing to provide necessary medical care to a patient leading to their death
Test your knowledge on the circumstances under which deaths are considered unnatural in this informative quiz. Explore various types of deaths, from heart attacks to strokes, and discover what qualifies as an unnatural death according to forensic pathologists.
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