Site Map	Confirm a Diagnosis of Death

• Establish time of death
• Establish who was present
• Confirm patients identity (from wrist band or from carers)
• Observe respiratory movements
• Palpate major pulse (femoral or carotid)
• Auscultate for heart sounds (min. 30 secs)
• Establish pupils fixed to light
• Opthalmoscopy for tracking / railroading of fundi
• Obtain patient records
• Record
  • Time and date of death
  • Your name and signature
  • People present at time of death

	Any comments or feedback please contact me by email: Tom Williams