The forensic pathologist who helped solve the Gardens by the Bay murder case | CNA Lifestyle

Summary

This video script delves into the daily life of a forensic pathologist, who averages 12-13 cases and once handled 28 in a day. Their role is crucial in supporting legal investigations and the criminal justice system by analyzing diseases and injuries that cause death. The script highlights the process, including basic body processing for identification, CT scans for internal examination, and advising on the necessity of autopsies. It dispels misconceptions about their job, emphasizing that forensic pathologists do not perform toxicological analysis but collaborate with specialized labs. The script also recounts a case where human remains were identified among debris, showcasing the meticulous work involved in forensic pathology.

Takeaways

• 🔍 The mortuary receives an average of 12 to 13 cases per day, with a maximum of 28 cases in one day.
• 👩‍⚕️ Forensic pathologists support medical legal death investigations and the criminal justice system, using their pathology knowledge to determine causes of death.
• 📸 Basic processing includes producing photographs for identification, followed by a CT scan to examine the body internally.
• 🚨 The pathologist advises the coroner on whether an autopsy is necessary based on CT scans, police information, and medical records.
• 🧬 Forensic pathologists do not perform toxicological analysis; samples are sent to specialized labs.
• 🏚 The cold room is used for storing bodies, with the isolation area featuring drawer-style storage similar to hospital setups.
• 🔬 A forensic pathologist's role was crucial in identifying human remains in the Gardens by the Bay murder case in 2016.
• 🕵️‍♂️ The identification of human hair under a microscope helped in identifying the deceased in a criminal investigation.
• ⏱ A routine autopsy takes 1 to 2 hours, but complex cases like homicides can extend to over six hours.
• 🧴 During autopsies, tissue samples are taken to uncover details not visible to the naked eye.
• 📺 The forensic pathologist prefers the show 'CSI Miami' as it portrays the job in a cool manner, despite some misconceptions.

Q & A

How many cases does the mortuary typically receive per day on average?

The mortuary receives about 12 to 13 cases per day on average.

What is the maximum number of cases the speaker has had in one day?

The maximum number of cases the speaker has had in one day is 28.

What role do forensic pathologists play in the criminal justice system?

Forensic pathologists support coroner medical legal death investigation and the criminal justice system by using their medical knowledge in pathology to determine how diseases and injuries cause death.

What is the purpose of basic processing and photographing in forensic pathology?

Basic processing and photographing are done for identification purposes and to produce visual records that can be used in investigations.

How does a CT scan assist in the forensic pathology process?

A CT scan allows forensic pathologists to look inside the body non-invasively, providing information that can help determine whether an autopsy is required.

What is a common misconception about the work of forensic pathologists according to the script?

A common misconception is that forensic pathologists perform the analysis of evidence collected from bodies, such as toxicological analysis, when in fact this is done by specialized labs.

What type of storage system is used for bodies in the mortuary's isolation area?

The isolation area uses a drawer-style storage system, similar to what is seen in some hospitals.

Can you describe the Gardens by the Bay murder case mentioned in the script?

In the Gardens by the Bay murder case from 2016, the speaker was asked to identify human remains among debris, which led to the discovery of strands of human hair that helped identify the deceased.

How long does a routine autopsy typically take?

A routine autopsy usually takes between one to two hours.

What additional time might be required for more complex cases during an autopsy?

For more complex cases, such as homicides, an autopsy could take upwards of six hours or more.

What is one thing that can be done during an autopsy to reveal details not visible to the naked eye?

Tissue sampling can be done during an autopsy to reveal details that may not have been obvious to the naked eye.

Which TV show does the speaker like the most and why?

The speaker likes 'CSI in Miami' the most because everyone in the show looks very cool.