Autopsy Technician (Medical Examiner)

Duties and Responsibilities

Note: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform one or more of the activities described below.

• Receives and properly registers human or non-human remains into the medical examiner's facility by assigning a case number, date, and name if known.
• Obtains and records information for identification purposes including finger and palm prints.
• Documents and secures personal property, valuables, medications and other evidence.
• Washes and prepares remains for examination or autopsy according to established operational policies.
• Photographs remains and anatomical sites for identification purposes and to document trauma.
• Takes and develops x-rays as necessary to assess the presence, location and number of foreign objects in the bodies or to aid in the identification of burned, mutilated, or decomposed remains.
• Prepares and maintains surgical instruments and laboratory supplies for post-mortem exam.
• Assists pathologist during autopsy by handing instruments, weighing organs and posting weights, locating and tying off major arteries or stumps of organs.
• Obtains hair and fingernail specimens, as required.
• Labels specimen containers for toxicology and files and stores specimens as appropriate.
• Closes post-mortem incisions and prepares the remains for the undertaker.
• Cleans autopsy suite, storage rooms, loading dock and garage following defined procedures.
• Releases remains to funeral homes or their representatives in accordance with established operational policies and procedures.
• Maintains work related records and prepares reports using a computer.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Job Specifications

• Knowledge of techniques and procedures used in autopsy examinations.
• Knowledge of the functions, services, procedures and regulations of the Medical Examiner's Office.
• Knowledge of human anatomy and morphology.
• Knowledge of aseptic and disinfectant procedures.
• Knowledge of x-ray equipment and procedures.
• Knowledge of Chapter 406, of the Florida Statutes pertaining to the standards required of the Medical Examiner's Office.
• Knowledge of chain-of-custody policies regarding specimens, evidence, and body removal.
• Knowledge of methods of transmission of tuberculosis, AIDS, hepatitis and meningitis.
• Skill in the use of a variety of surgical instruments.
• Ability and willingness to work with diseased, decomposed or mutilated corpses on a daily basis.
• Ability to perform routine and specialized post-mortem procedures as directed by a pathologist.
• Ability to follow oral and written instruction.
• Ability to use cameras and photographic equipment.
• Ability to follow established procedures.
• Ability to use a computer and related software.

Physical Requirements

• Work is typically completed in an autopsy room.
• Must be able to stand strong sights and smells
• May require standing for long periods of time.

Work Category

• Medium work - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Minimum Qualifications Required

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED Certificate; AND
• Six months of work experience with deceased humans/patients as a mortician’s assistant, surgical assistant, or assisting in performing autopsies or transporting dead bodies;

       OR

• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies noted above; AND
• Possession of a valid Florida Driver's License.