Introduction
Forensic nursing has become an exciting field and one of the critical nursing specialties. In essence, the need for forensic nursing has particularly increased due to the rising awareness on the importance of appropriate forensic evidence collection and its preservation (Williams, 2005). In this paper, we assess why the knowledge on evidence collection and preservation is critical in health care. Also, the paper describes some of the procedures to be followed when collecting evidence in the ER.
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Why knowledge on evidence collection and preservation is critical in health care
Increasing Cases of Patients Assaults
There is an increasing number of patients who are victims, survivors, suspects, and perpetrators of the acts. Thus, collecting forensic evidence is crucial, not only as a result of legal implications; it is also crucial in ensuring that the outcome of responses to the victim of traumatic events is realized (Schoenly et al., 2014). In this regards, training and educating the forensic professional is of immense importance.
Recognizing and Collecting Evidence
Collection and preservation of evidence is a routine activity in the emergency nursing practice. One of the essential skills for an emergency nurse concerns evidence collection in forensic cases. Additionally, emergency nurses are occasionally required to provide testimony in courts as an established section in emergency nurse practice (Melissa, 2015). Thus, it is highly important to educate the nurses as well as other health care physicians on this important program.
Preserve the Authenticity of the Evidence
ED nurses are the first to handle patients; they are in a unique position to collect and document crucial evidence as an important a principle (McGillivray, 2004). The procedure involved in the collection of evidence may increase the level of trauma if not handled efficiently. Thus, nurses should have the knowledge to recognize and collect the evidence without interfering with it.
You are called to the ER to see a client who was mugged. The client struggled with the perpetrator, sustaining a bite injury on his arm in the process. What do you do, and why do you do it
Collecting the History – the process of crime scene investigation begins with evidence collection. The process entails taking a thorough history of how the client was mugged and how the injuries were sustained. Also, relevant medical information that the client may have regarding the perpetrator is taken. This information is crucial since it allows for investigation of the perpetrators and their conviction if the case is presented in court.
Photography – The injuries sustained by the clients need to be completely and thoroughly documented. In particular, photograph shots should include the victim face and close-ups of the wounds and bruises sustained (Dougherty, 2011). Also, information on the name of the client, location, shape, size, and apparent age of the client should also be taken.
Describing and Diagramming – the procedure entails making a written description on the assessment of findings regarding the client. In essence, descriptions of the wound and injuries sustained are made according to their appearance, size, and location using clearly recognized measurements (Ferrell, 2007). Diagrams are also used to visually describe the exact locations and extent of the injuries.
Collecting Physical Evidence- this procedure is highly critical since it helps to collect information of the perpetrator. In this case, the client struggled with the perpetrator and may have left some marks on the client body or clothing in the process. This procedure helps to provide evidence that a crime indeed occurred. Also, the physical evidence can be used to establish the connection between the client and the perpetrator.
Collecting the Evidence from the Client - Often, the physical evidence of the perpetrator is obtained from the client clothing usually in the form of hair, nails, or any other evidence. In this case, the client should remove their cloth carefully not to destroy the evidence. A sheet is normally used to collect the evidence, which is covered completely to ensure that the evidence is intact.
Collection of Evidence from the Body -The evidence needs to be collected carefully to preserve its authenticity as well as to prevent any loss of evidence. Usually, forceps with plastic coated tips are used to remove hair, nails, and other evidence. Each item is placed carefully in separate papers. Any dry debris is scraped off gently. In case sharp objects are retrieved, they are placed in a double peel touch.
Chain of Custody- The integrity of the evidence needs to be handled with care after the collection. In this case, the scene investigator uses a paper trail, normally referred to as a chain of custody. Notably, the chain of custody is used in court as evidence for the crime.
References
Ferrell, J. J. (2007). Forensic aspects of emergency nursing. In Emergency Nurses Association (Ed.), Emergency nursing core curriculum (6th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.
McGillivray, B. (2005). The role of Victorian emergency nurses in the collection and preservation of forensic evidence: A review of the literature. Accident and Emergency Nursing, 13(2), 95–100.
Melissa, S. (2015). Evidence Collection for Nurses. S.A: Registered Nursing Organization.
Schoenly, L. C., CCHP-RN, & Goldman, S. (2014). Forensic evidence Collection-Texas. Retrieved June 14, 2016, from http://www.nursingceu.com/courses/469/index_nceu.html
Williams, T., Richardson, S., O'Donovan, P., & Ardagh, M. (2005). The Forensic Nurse Practitioner Role (Emergency Nursing) Potential Response to Changing Health Needs in New Zealand. Medical law. 24 (1), 111-23.
