Forensic medicine: how to determine the time of the crime?
The followers of detective series know it well: the investigation always begins with the hour of the crime! What to do when the body of the deceased is the only piece of evidence? You have to know the different phases of decomposition of the body and go in search of precise clues. That’s what forensic pathologists do. Let’s go into their autopsy room.
Noticing death
Before calling on the medical examiner, charge to the paramedics to determine if the victim is really dead! Several elements show the death.
The person is unconscious and does not respond to the painful stimuli. His pupils are dilated (mydriasis) and do not react to light. She has no pulse or blood pressure, she no longer breathes1.
Examinations (ECG in particular) make it possible to ensure death, in case of doubt. A century ago, you had to do without these tools. In the absence of a pulse, the doctors placed a mirror in front of the alleged deceased’s mouth to see if he was still breathing. It is said that the “undertakers” for their part bit the big toe of the dead man to confirm his lack of reaction before putting into beer.2.