What should you do if, after assessment, you determine a patient is dead and police suspect foul play?

When a patient is determined to be dead and there are suspicions of foul play, the priority is to preserve the integrity of the scene for any subsequent investigation. Avoiding disturbances at the scene ensures that potential evidence is not compromised, which is crucial for law enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation. This action helps to maintain the chain of custody and allows for accurate forensic analysis, which can be vital in determining the circumstances surrounding the death.

While documenting the time of death is important, it should be done without interfering with the scene. Leaving the area immediately might mislead investigators or forfeit the opportunity to provide any necessary information. Taking pictures for documentation, although useful in many contexts, is not appropriate in a situation where law enforcement is involved and can lead to complications regarding evidence. Therefore, the correct approach is to avoid disturbing the scene to support the investigative process.