evidence collection in violent assaults

[quiltingbabe]

We have been fortunate here not to have had a lot of violent occurences. We are re-writing our policy of evidence collection for the ED. RE: bullet collections, whether police are given what and when, general information for all of us to follow. Are we still bagging hands with a GSW? Different people seem to have different understandings. Any ideas and policy markers you have will be greatly appreciated.

Ellen

[sookieRN, BSN, RN]

Hey there quiltingbabe!

There are many...I would suggest your department invest in a Forensic Nursing book, it cover evidence collection. Also, coordinate your efforts with the local police department. A lot of evidence cannot be used due to chain of custody issues if procedures are not followed exactly!

Good luck!

[BrnEyedGirl, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

We work closely with the local crime lab and the prosecutors office,..they advise us what they need, how evidence should be collected etc.

[Altra, BSN, RN]

Also, coordinate your efforts with the local police department. A lot of evidence cannot be used due to chain of custody issues if procedures are not followed exactly!

Yeah, that.

[JBudd, MSN]

and don't put things in plastic bags, even if bloody. Evidence has to be in paper sacks, something to do with condensation. I'm with the others, contact your local PDs crime scene and forensic people.

[ZippyGBR, BSN, RN]

the advice given by others to liase with your local police service and find out what they want can be useful ...

UK perspective this topic came up and the next day one of the uniform sergeants brought in a huge pile of different sized evidence bags and some 'knife tubes' ...

this being the Uk we don't get much gunshot stuff but he said if we did just to put them in the plain urine / histology pots as that is all their CSI staff used for small items