Medical Examiner/Coroner


Competencies

NameDescription
Identify agentsIDENTIFY nuclear, biological or chemical agents from signs and clinical history, autopsy and other evidence.
Generate bioterrorism response planGENERATE a public health bioterrorism (BT) response plan for epidemiology and surveillance (OR Environmental Health OR Public Health Laboratory OR Medical Examiner’s Office OR Public Health Information Office) that is integrated with the emergency response plan for the agency by applying the following competencies:
Establish communications rolesESTABLISH emergency communications roles and responsibilities for bioterrorism response.
Maintain resource directoryMAINTAIN a directory of materials and resources on bioterrorism.
Prepare for crime scenesPREPARE public health personnel responding to a bioterrorism event regarding procedures of crime scene preservation, proper handling, transportation and storage of criminal evidence.
Identify response resourcesIDENTIFY specific resources needed for response to critical biologic agents (Category A, B, C).
Specify safety measuresSPECIFY safety measures to be taken by public health responders in a bioterrorism event, including use of personal protective equipment.
Determine roles through risk assessmentsUSE risk assessment of potential biologic, chemical or radiological hazards in the community to determine roles and responsibilities of those involved in public health bioterrorism response.
Define further investigation needsDEFINE algorithms that trigger further epidemiological investigation.
Manage psychological impactRECOGNIZE and TREAT the psychological impact of bioterrorism event on victims and health care professionals.
Handle human remainsHANDLE human remains appropriately, addressing safety, psycho-social, and forensic needs.
Address training gapsENSURE that knowledge/skill gaps identified through emergency response evaluation are filled.
Evaluate event responseEVALUATE every emergency response to identify needed internal/external improvements.
Apply recovery measuresAPPLY appropriate science-based public health measures to ensure continued population protection appropriate to the biological threat involved, including follow up of those exposed, vaccinated, or quarantined.