Autopsy Technician

Duties:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The following examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive.

• Assists the Forensic Pathologist with the autopsy procedure
• Operates morgue/autopsy equipment: electric pram, autopsy carts/tables, surgical instruments, bone saws, radiography equipment, cameras, body scale, etc.
• Prepares overall setup for autopsy, including instruments, documentation, specimen and/or evidence retrieval, and packaging equipment
• Transports bodies to and from refrigerated storage
• Fingerprints the decedent
• Performs and develops radiographs
• Photographs the body/personal effects/evidence
• Inventories, documents, processes, and preserves chain-of-custody of personal effects/clothing/evidence among or accompanying the body
• Assists the forensic pathologist in prosecting the body, and collection of certain specimens for postmortem testing
• Collects DNA samples
• Restores the body following postmortem examination
• Assists with proper collection, handling, transfers, labeling, and storing/retention of toxicological, histological, tissue, and DNA samples
• Completes laundering of towels and garb used during autopsy and clean-up
• Cleans morgue/attendant areas, instruments, equipment, floors, autopsy tables/attachments, and other dissecting areas, and ensures surfaces are free of blood, other bodily fluids, airborne pathogens, and other undesirable materials
• Restores autopsy supplies and reports shortages
• Performs computer data entry of all pertinent autopsy documentation, photography, toxicology, histology, and other specimen collection and retention
• Reports any equipment malfunctions
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Maintains state, local and policy standards
• Complies with IACME and NAME accreditation standards

Requirements:

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• One or more years of experience as an autopsy assistant, surgical assistant, radiology technician or laboratory assistant that included developing a knowledge of human anatomy, skill in identifying or using surgical instruments.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge: Human Anatomy, medical terminology, and forensic photography. Knowledge of lab techniques and lab safety, sufficient to be able to collect and preserve evidence, and work safely with chemical, biological, microbiological pathogenic, and other potential hazards.
• Skills: Recognizes Universal/Standard precautions, understands Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Completing necessary forms, data entry, packaging and handling of biological samples related to the work assignment. Maintaining chain-of-custody with personal effects/evidence. Attention to detail.
• Abilities: Ability to work productively and efficiently with human remains, diagnostic tools, and surgical instruments necessary to assist with forensic autopsy examinations. Ability to tolerate and work with objectionable sights, sounds, and odors. Ability to learn the COHERO/CALMS system (Internal Coroner Documentation System). Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general technical procedures and governmental regulations. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, & REGISTRATIONS:

• This position requires successful completion of a criminal background check including fingerprinting through a national database.
• Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License upon hire, with complying insurance. Review of motor vehicle record is required at time of hire and periodically throughout employment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Physical Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Work may occur in a typical office setting, and/or morgue. Incumbents must be able to safely drive a motor vehicle. Autopsy technicians are exposed to disease, illness, biohazards, or blood borne pathogens during job performance. There is exposure to and utilization of hazardous chemicals, including formalin fixative on a routine basis. Prolonged periods of attention to detailed information is required. Work requires a flexible and as needed basis. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Physical Demands: The physical demands described herein are representative of those an employee is required to lift and transfer human remains to gurney and vehicle. Required physical activities include walking, standing, sitting, digital dexterity, talking, hearing, seeing, balancing, climbing, crawling, kneeling, and bending, stooping, twisting, crouching, reaching, lifting, carrying, dragging, and pushing/pulling, and computer keyboarding/typing. Must be able to safely carry and lift heavy objects including dead bodies; safely drive a vehicle and operate other required equipment in a safe and lawful manner for the protection/safety of the public, self and of other employees. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, see, and hear clearly. The employee frequently is required to walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to stand and/or sit for long periods of time. The employee must regularly lift and/or move more than one hundred (100) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to adjust focus and distinguish colors.
• Material and Equipment Directly Used: Office equipment, basic hand tools, power tools and small motorized equipment and vehicles.

Do you have the Education Required? See available on-line and campus-based degree programs now!