1. Assisting in autopsies and postmortem examinations: This may involve helping the medical examiner with tasks such as removing organs and tissues, dissecting bodies, and preparing specimens for analysis.
2. Collecting evidence and documentation: This may involve photographing the body and the scene of death, taking measurements and fingerprints, and recording relevant information about the deceased.
3. Assisting with the transportation and storage of bodies: This may involve moving bodies from the scene of death to the medical examiner's office or funeral home, and helping to prepare and store bodies for further examination or burial.
4. Communicating with law enforcement, medical personnel, and family members: Medical examiner assistants may be responsible for liaising with law enforcement and medical personnel to obtain information about the deceased and the circumstances of death, as well as communicating with family members to inform them of the findings of the autopsy or postmortem examination.
5. Performing laboratory tests and analysis: Medical examiner assistants may also perform laboratory tests and analyze samples of tissue, blood, or other bodily fluids to help determine the cause of death.
6. Maintaining records and documentation: Medical examiner assistants are responsible for maintaining accurate records of all autopsies, postmortem examinations, and other investigations conducted by the medical examiner's office.
7. Providing administrative support: Medical examiner assistants may also provide administrative support to the medical examiner, such as scheduling appointments, managing case files, and preparing reports.
8. Attending continuing education courses and training: Medical examiner assistants are required to attend continuing education courses and training to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in forensic science and death investigation.