What is one of the responsibilities of a Medical Death Investigator (MDI)?

A Medical Death Investigator (MDI) plays a crucial role in examining deaths that fall under specific circumstances, particularly those that are sudden, unexpected, or occur under suspicious conditions. One of the responsibilities of an MDI is to ensure that the identification of remains is clear and accurate. Carrying red tags serves as a vital identification measure that helps in distinguishing remains throughout the investigation process.

This identification is critical in scenes that involve multiple deceased individuals or where identification may not be immediately clear. The use of tags aids in documenting information accurately and maintaining a chain of custody, which is essential for any subsequent investigative processes or legal proceedings.

While the other tasks listed, such as collecting blood samples, conducting funeral services, and issuing death certificates, may be performed by professionals in closely related fields like pathology or funeral directing, they fall outside the primary scope of responsibilities assigned to a Medical Death Investigator. The specific focus of an MDI is to gather evidence, document the scene, and ensure proper identification, which emphasizes the importance of the role in the wider context of death investigation.