Driver's Education
The discussion is centered on a fatal traffic crash of a younger age person. It is often stressed that while this particular crash involves alcohol, not all fatalities are alcohol related. The students are then taken into the autopsy suite to see the layout, and this is where most of the discussion takes place. Many of the instruments that are used during an investigation or autopsy are out for viewing. The explanation of toxicology tests and a toxicology kit is openly discussed and shown. The coroner supports organ and tissue recovery. Students are educated on the organ and tissue program and what the current law is regarding having your driver’s license marked “donor.”
Last but certainly not least, is notification of family members of a death.
- Callahan states that this is something that is not easily explained and difficult to understand the full meaning unless one has been affected by a notification.
- Callahan states that this is really the only area that cannot be adequately described. This is something that no one can fully appreciate unless they have been on the receiving end of a death notification. After receiving such notification, some families will choose to come to the morgue and view their loved one while other may choose to wait.
- Callahan points out that no names are ever used in the presentations and that no photos of any individuals are ever used. During any presentation, we give the highest level of respect and compassion for the families of loved ones. When speaking with a family, Callahan will usually tell the family that their loved one will be treated with great dignity and respect, just as though they were one of his own family members.