Deaths Under Investigations
Ensuring all Families have the Option to Consider Donation
Even when the death of a patient may be related to serious criminal conduct (child abuse, domestic violence, homicide, other suspicious circumstances) it is possible to collect and preserve necessary forensic evidence and offer the gift of life through organ and tissue donation.
We work together to ensure all families have the option to consider donation after all necessary forensic information is collected and preserved.
We have a written protocol, the Shared Protocol for Organ Recovery in Deaths Under Investigation to guide us. We follow the written Protocol in every case to ensure we do everything correctly.
What Should Hospital Providers Do?
Call Gift of Hope
Quarantine all blood and tissue specimens
Maintain mechanical support until Gift of Hope provides further direction
If asked, inform family that Gift of Hope and the Coroner follow a written protocol to determine if and how organ and tissue donation can happen.
What Should Law Enforcement Officers Do?
Call Gift of Hope
Participate in collaborative discussions with Gift of Hope and the Coroner’s Office to ensure proper collection of forensic evidence
If asked, inform family that Gift of Hope and the Coroner follow a written protocol to determine if and how organ and tissue donation can happen.
What Should Gift of Hope Team Members Do?
Make sure a copy of the Shared Protocol for Organ Recovery in Deaths Under Investigation is available and follow each step in the Protocol
Request the Hospital to quarantine all available blood and tissue samples. If there is a prior admission facility, contact that facility as well
Provide the Hospital a copy of the Shared Protocol for Organ Recovery in Deaths Under Investigation for their reference.
If asked, inform family that Gift of Hope and the Coroner follow a written protocol to determine if and how organ and tissue donation can happen.
What Should Coroner’s Representatives Do?
Call Gift of Hope
Participate in collaborative discussions with Gift of Hope and the Coroner’s Office to ensure proper collection of forensic evidence
If asked, inform family that Gift of Hope and the Coroner follow a written protocol to determine if and how organ and tissue donation can happen
What Should States Attorneys Do?
Call Gift of Hope
Participate in collaborative discussions with Gift of Hope and the Coroner’s Office to ensure proper collection and preservation of all forensic evidence
If asked, inform family that Gift of Hope and the Coroner follow a written protocol to determine if and how organ and tissue donation can happen.