Forensic Technician

Duties:

• Admits and properly registers human and/or nonhuman remains in accordance with established operational policies and procedures; obtains and records information pertinent to the identification and classification of the deceased such as observable markings or scars, height and weight; documents and secures valuables and other personal property belonging to the deceased.
• Prepares remains for examination by the pathologist; recognizes and preserves evidence which may be relevant to the cause and manner of death.
• Assists pathologists in the performance of autopsies; opens body cavities and removes various tissues, organs and systems such as optic tissue, adrenal glands, brain, and spinal column, as directed.
• Prepares remains for transportation to funeral homes or other facilities utilizing methods which insure minimal public contact with body excretions and other constituents which may be hazardous.
• Participates in various research projects by recording data, preserving specimens and aiding physicians, and personnel of local police agencies.
• Assures the proper disposition or disposal of tissues which may contain harmful organisms.
• Prepares solutions such as formaldehyde and buffering agents to be used as fixation agents for anatomical specimens.
• Collects and preserves specimens for laboratory analyses.
• Performs major and minor restorations for identification purposes; restores remains to suitable appearance for public viewing or photography purposes.
• Fingerprints all bodies received at appropriate time in correlation with preservation of evidence, for verification of identity.
• Takes photographs of remains upon admittance and of specific anatomical sites during postmortem operations.
• Under state license or under direct supervision, participates in the embalming of bodies in preparation for burial through the injection of preserving chemicals at prescribed flow rates.
• Takes and develops x-rays as necessary to assess the presence, location and number of foreign objects in a body.
• Properly retains and labels clothing and other evidence and assures its proper disposition.
• Maintains and regulates hygienic conditions through the use of germicidal chemicals and procedures in order to promote a sanitary working environment.
• Testifies in judicial proceedings concerning Medical Examiner cases, as required.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:

• Considerable knowledge of gross autopsy procedures used in pathological examinations.
• Considerable knowledge of normal and abnormal anatomical pathology.
• Considerable knowledge of forensic fingerprinting, palm printing, and x-ray procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of aseptic and decontamination procedures for the morgue area.
• Considerable knowledge of maintenance of morgue instruments and equipment.
• Knowledge of cytology, chemical, and histology procedures related to autopsy for forensic purposes.
• Some knowledge of modern embalming methods and techniques.
• Ability to demonstrate a mature and respectful approach to disagreeable phases of medical examiner work.
• Ability to complete diagnostic tests accurately.
• Ability to work with cadavers in decomposed, burned or mutilated states.
• Ability to complete autopsies with required speed.
• Ability to deal effectively with the medical staff in a close working relationship.
• Ability to lift and move cadavers.
• Skill in the use of a variety of surgical instruments.

Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED.
• One year of experience in forensic pathology and autopsy procedures is required;
OR
• Completion of vocational or technical coursework to include 3 semester credits in Health Science or Mortuary Science are required.

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