Autopsy Attendant - Medical Examiner's Office

Job Purpose: Performs technical work in support of the Pathologist during autopsies and other postmortem examinations. Assistance to the pathologist involves opening the body, evisceration, reconstruction of the body after the autopsy, collecting toxicological and other body fluid samples during autopsies; arranging x-rays and photographs of human remains; transporting bodies from cooler to table; storage of samples; clean up and maintenance of the morgue, supplies and evidence and maintaining a catalogue of the morgue inventory. Reports to Lab Manager. Essential Functions: Provides assistance to Pathologist by opening the body, eviscerating, and reconstructing the body after the autopsy, collecting toxicological and other body fluid samples during autopsies; arranging x-rays and photographs of human remains; transporting bodies from cooler to table; storage of samples; clean up and maintenance of the morgue, supplies and evidence and maintaining a catalogue of the morgue inventory. Releases bodies to funeral homes and maintains the proper chain of custody with regard to the human remains and any clothing, personal effects, jewelry, etc. that may accompany it. Ensures proper handling of any paperwork associated with receiving or releasing bodies. Prepares morgue for autopsies by laying out supplies and instruments, transferring body to autopsy table, undressing and assisting the residents with recording description of the body. Prepares body for autopsy; weighs and measures human remains. Assist with training new hires. May remove organs or tissue; sutures and cleans body upon completion of autopsy. Ensures proper handling, transfers, labeling and storage of specimens. Cleans and maintains work area and equipment using sanitation/decontamination, safety and biohazard control measures. Cleans and disinfects the cooler, carts, floor space, surface areas, etc., as needed. Ensures the environs of the space are maintained, including slings, linens, cadaver covers, and frames. Ensures the temperature of the cooler is maintained and within normal limits. Addresses repair issues with engineering or vendors as needed. Monitors level of supplies, conducting inventories and ordering supplies and materials as needed. Prepares human remains for identification photographs by shrouding body with a white cloth, exposing just the face and placing decedent case number under the chin. Utilizes camera to take and upload overhead photo into computer. Coordinates additional autopsy photographs as well as storage of photos with Biomedical Photographer. Performs other related duties as assigned.