Rhode Island Office of State Medical Examiners

Office of State Medical Examiners Response to Mass Fatality Events

The Medical Examiner will assume jurisdiction over the types of deaths described below based upon the Code of RI.

Deaths due to or suspected of being due to:

• Infectious disease or suspected infectious diseases that may represent a bio-terrorism event or emerging infection.
• Natural, nuclear, biological, chemical or other mass casualty event.
• Homicidal, suicidal, accidental or undetermined causes related to the mass casualty.

The Medical Examiners Office will work in conjunction with the investigating agencies, federal agencies (DMORT) and other ancillary personnel, and the family assistance center to recover and identify the decedents, determine the cause of death, and notify and support the families.