Essentials of evidence collection and preservation knowledge
Healthcare professionals ought to understand that knowledge on evidence collection and preservation is paramount. The knowledge can eventually be of significant use in tracking down and prosecuting the perpetrators of crimes (Simmons, 2014). Forensic healthcare workers or even general caregivers can help the police in investigating crimes by making sure that they collect and store evidence attentively. Moreover, crime evidence can be essential to the victims as they can use it to seek legal justice.
Steps to Take in Collecting Evidence on Mugged Client
Health institutions usually have an elaborate protocol for collecting and handling evidence. The protocols are typically developed by forensic healthcare professionals in conjunction with district attorney and police department (Han & Hong, 2012). In a case involving a case of smuggling with sustained bite injury, it would be prudent to administer pain killers so that the patient can be at ease when collecting the forensic evidence. This should be followed by collecting any visible and physical evidence such as clothing, saliva, and blood stain. It is also paramount to take photographs of the bite injury. Photos are important as they can be used as a quick reference on how the bite was even long after the healing process.
Upon reviewing and recording of the vividly physical evidence, it is also important to inquire about how the injuries were sustained. The finding should be well recorded in the patient file, and if possible a recorded verbatim be taken (Machielse, 2008). Documentation of evidence is crucial, and thus the forensic healthcare workers should make sure that they document all the essential fine details related to a particular evidence such as the injury location, shape, size, and color. Finally, preservation of the evidence collected is crucial, and care should be taken so to prevent evidence deterioration.
References
Han, M. H., & Hong, H. S. (2012). The awareness and performance of the forensic nursing role
in emergency departments. Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science, 14(4), 291-
299.
Machielse, P. (2008). Forensic emergency nursing-role integration. International Association of
Forensic Nurses.
Simmons, B. (2014). Graduate forensic nursing education: how to better educate nurses to care
for this patient population. Nurse educator, 39(4), 184-187.
