Medico-legal Examination of the Living, the Dying, and the Dead.
“The best memory is a record made at the time.”
Make a note on the spot as to the person examined, the place, the date, and hour of the commencement of the examination. Daylight should be chosen.
If possible, choose a time such that you can complete the enquiry at one sitting, as it may be final.
Where criminal charges may arise, associate the police (and, when necessary, the relieving officer) with the case at once. If called by a police-constable, do not fail to note down his number (from his collar).
Decline to perform technical processes which are probably beyond your skill: thus the Coroner will usually secure the permission of the County Council for analyses in suspected poison cases.
Exclude lawyers and curious laymen, but invite another medical man, especially if your own previous actions may be in question.
Whatever you discover must be kept secret until you give evidence in court. As a matter of courtesy, the Coroner may be informed privately, before the inquest is held, of any unexpected or grave results; do not, however, inform press men.