Vermont law created a statewide medical examiner system in the mid-1950s. From its inception, death investigation has relied upon community-based death investigators coordinated through a central system led by a forensic pathologist – the Chief Medical Examiner.
This system has evolved over the years from local investigators, the majority of whom were physicians, to today's statewide team of advanced emergency medical service technicians, paramedics and nurses in addition to physicians.
The Chief Medical Examiner is authorized to appoint Medicolegal Death Investigators.
Medicolegal Death Investigators must have extensive experience in the medical profession, which may include medicine, nursing, emergency medical work, or any other medical profession deemed by the Chief Medical Examiner to provide sufficient health care experience. Medicolegal Death Investigators must meet the training and certification requirements established by the Chief Medical Examiner and approved by the Commissioner of Health. 18 V.S.A. § 508
Medicolegal Death Investigators are the OCME first responders who have initial contact with families and others on scene. Their main job is to gather information about the events leading up to the death, review medical histories, visit death scenes and work with families, local law enforcement, state’s attorneys, emergency services and others to help determine cause of death. The Medicolegal Death Investigator works closely with the Chief Medical Examiner to determine jurisdiction and disposition of cases.
If you would like to be a local medical examiner, or would like more information: Contact Us
If you are interested in becoming a Medicolegal Death Investigator, or would like more information: Contact Us
