obtain because of a competent scene investigation: no evidence of trauma; medications accounted for; no red flags for overdose; no indicators of foul play. If those things are ruled out, a natural death grounded in known disease is the likely culprit. And if you’re still uneasy, pick up the phone. The point, Amaro stresses, is not to impose decisions on busy clinicians, but to stand alongside them. Utah’s system isn’t perfect, she admits. No system is. Even here, late course corrections occur: a cremation review triggers a deeper inquiry; a case that should have come in earlier is retrieved; plans are disrupted. But the redundancies are purposeful, designed to protect families and the public’s trust. In her view, the difference lies in a culture that prioritizes accuracy and cooperation over speed or convenience. Chief Medical Examiner Deirdre Amaro (left) and Chief Medical Examiner Investigator Cory Russo (right) on a media tour of the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner on Nov. 14, 2024 (published with permission from Alixel Cabrera/Utah News Dispatch). Dr. Amaro presents to a group of UAFP members, including residents and attendings, on how to properly fill out death certificates. Ultimately, the work proves surprisingly humane. Families arrive at the ME’s doorstep, stunned by loss and overwhelmed by the logistics of death, including the funeral home arrangements, the paperwork and the toll of grief. “The business of death adds an extra layer of trauma,” Amaro says. “If we [the ME’s office and clinicians] can minimize that through education, partnership and timely certification, everybody is better served.” ADVERTISE HERE! RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY! 801 676 9722 sales@thenewslinkgroup.com RESEARCH SHOWS: • The average ROI for print advertising is around 130%. – Electro IQ • 56% of consumers trust print marketing more than any other advertising method. – AllBusiness.com • Print media has a 90% brand recall rate, the highest among all advertising channels. – Sonder & Tell Don’t just take our word for it! PRINT ADVERTISING isvital for success. 22
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