Doctors must distinguish between natural death (from internal illness) and non-natural/unclear death (accident, suicide, or crime).
It contributes to the official mortality statistics used for healthcare planning. 2. Who Performs the Examination?
It ensures death is certain by identifying "sure signs of death" (e.g., Totenflecke or Totenstarre ). Die Leichenschau
Resident hospital physicians typically handle the procedure.
The responsibility falls strictly on physicians, though the specific type of doctor often depends on where the death occurred: Who Performs the Examination
The (post-mortem examination) is the formal medical examination of a deceased person to confirm death, determine the cause and manner of death, and establish the time of death. It is a legal requirement in Germany and a critical step before a death certificate can be issued or a funeral can take place. 1. Purpose and Legal Framework
Next of kin are responsible for notifying a doctor immediately. Often, this is the deceased's general practitioner (GP) or an emergency physician. The responsibility falls strictly on physicians, though the
In public places or cases of suspected foul play, forensic physicians or the police are involved. 3. The Procedure Step-by-Step Die Leichenschau - Thieme E-Books & E-Journals -