American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Practice Exam

You are investigating the sudden death of a child. What should your action be regarding the family wanting to hold the child?

1. Tell them to wait until after the investigation

2. Consider the evidence and make a professional decision

3. Inform them of the law prohibiting interference

4. Advise them about the rights of the child

The correct answer is: Consider the evidence and make a professional decision

In this context, considering the evidence and making a professional decision is the most appropriate course of action. When a child’s sudden death is being investigated, it is crucial to balance the legal and procedural requirements of the investigation with the family’s emotional needs. Investigators must assess the situation carefully. This includes evaluating whether the scene has been properly processed for forensic evidence, determining if there are any immediate concerns about contaminating evidence, and understanding the family’s grieving process. Involving the family can help in some cases by providing them closure, while still maintaining the integrity of the investigation. This approach allows the investigator to evaluate the circumstances surrounding the child's death thoughtfully, facilitating a decision that respects both the investigatory process and the family's emotional needs. It underscores the importance of professionalism and sensitivity in death investigations, especially those involving children, as the circumstances can be particularly traumatic for the family.