ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 January 2005
Page Count: 5

Autopsy Artifact Created by the Revivant AutoPulse™ Resuscitation Device
Hart, AP
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, CA

Stephens, BG
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, CA

Hart, KR
New College of California, CA

Azar, VJ
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, CA

(Received 10 April 2004; accepted 31 July 2004)

Abstract

In certain cases, the evaluation and correct identification of resuscitative artifacts is critical to the correct diagnosis and determination of the cause and manner of death. Resuscitative artifacts can resemble homicidal or accidental injury and thus possibly be misinterpreted. Occasionally, new technologies and/or medical procedures will create original and/or distinctive artifacts. In 2003, the San Francisco Fire Department emergency personnel began field-testing the Revivant AutoPulse™, an automated chest compression device. This device is currently being used in two other counties in the San Francisco Bay Area as well as regions of Florida, Virginia, and Ohio. We present three cases of resuscitative artifact that could be potentially confused with homicidal or accidental injury. These cases illustrate resuscitative artifacts, specifically lateral chest and horizontally oriented upper abdomen cutaneous abrasions created by this automated chest compression device.

Keywords:
forensic science, forensic pathology, resuscitative artifact, mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation, automated chest compression device, perimortem artifacts

Paper ID: JFS2004155
DOI: 10.1520/JFS2004155
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