Dr G Medical Examiner - Internal Exam

Summary

In this video, Dr. G explains the essential tools used during an autopsy, focusing on the scalpel and its critical role in cutting through skin and soft tissue. However, Dr. G emphasizes the importance of safety, mentioning that pathologists and forensic technicians often avoid injury by using scissors for evisceration. When it comes to opening the rib cage, Dr. G shares a preference for using garden shears over rib cutters, citing better leverage and ease of use. This practical approach to autopsy tools offers a fascinating look at the precision and ingenuity behind forensic procedures.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dr. G uses a scalpel as one of the main tools during autopsies due to its sharpness and precision.
• 😀 A sharp scalpel is considered less dangerous than a dull one because it reduces the likelihood of cutting oneself.
• 😀 In the past, pathologists, like surgeons, were prone to cutting themselves, averaging 3.5 injuries per year.
• 😀 To minimize injuries, forensic techs now primarily use scissors for evisceration during autopsies.
• 😀 Bloodborne pathogens are more of a concern from cutting oneself than from breathing in air in the morgue.
• 😀 The scalpel is effective for cutting through skin and soft tissue but cannot cut through bone, such as a rib cage.
• 😀 To open the rib cage, various tools are used in autopsies, with rib cutters being one option.
• 😀 Despite its intended purpose, Dr. G dislikes rib cutters due to their inefficiency in cutting through ribs.
• 😀 Dr. G prefers using garden pruning shears for cutting ribs because they offer better leverage and ease of use.
• 😀 Garden shears, commonly found in hardware stores, are used by Dr. G due to their effectiveness in rib cutting.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the scalpel during an autopsy?

The scalpel is used to open the body and cut through skin and soft tissues. It is a crucial tool for getting inside the body during an autopsy.

Why is a sharp scalpel considered safer than a dull one during an autopsy?

A sharp scalpel is less likely to cause injury to the user. With a dull scalpel, the user may struggle more and inadvertently cut themselves, whereas a sharp scalpel can cut more easily with greater control.

How often do pathologists typically cut themselves during autopsies?

Pathologists cut themselves approximately 3.5 times a year on average, according to statistics from the past.

Why are forensic technicians encouraged to use scissors during autopsies?

Forensic technicians use scissors for evisceration because they are less likely to cause injury compared to scalpels. The risk of cutting oneself is lower, which also reduces the potential for exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

What tool does Dr. G prefer for cutting open the rib cage during an autopsy?

Dr. G prefers using garden shears over rib cutters for cutting open the rib cage, as they provide better leverage and make the task easier.

What is the issue with rib cutters in an autopsy?

Dr. G dislikes rib cutters because, in his opinion, they do a poor job of cutting through the ribs. He finds them ineffective compared to other tools like garden shears.

What is a common alternative tool used for cutting ribs in an autopsy?

An alternative tool used for cutting ribs is garden pruning shears, which Dr. G prefers because they offer better leverage and are more efficient.

Where can one obtain the type of shears Dr. G uses during autopsies?

The garden shears Dr. G uses can be found at local hardware stores, as they are commonly used for gardening and pruning tasks.

Why is it important to be cautious when using scalpels in an autopsy?

Caution is necessary when using scalpels because of the risk of cutting oneself, which could lead to exposure to bloodborne pathogens, a primary concern in the autopsy environment.

What is the main challenge when performing an autopsy on the rib cage?

The main challenge is opening the rib cage, as the scalpel is not capable of cutting through ribs. Other specialized tools, such as rib cutters or garden shears, are used to address this difficulty.