The handling of bariatric bodies

dc.contributor.authorEitzen, D.
dc.contributor.authorByard, R.
dc.date.issued2013
dc.description.abstractIncreased body mass has occurred in many countries over the past two decades. Morbidly obese individuals are prone to higher rates of cardiovascular, endocrine and malignant disease requiring hospitalization and medical care. A review of problems encountered by ambulance services, hospitals, forensic facilities and funeral service reveals common problems in examination, transport and handling. Strategies used in one area of health to deal with bariatric cases can be adapted for use in other areas. Forensic facilities may require the use bigger body bags, reinforced trolleys and vehicles, with larger refrigerator bays and CT scanning machines. The best option is for purpose built mortuaries designed with lifting hoists and passages, doorways, machinery and autopsy tables that can cope with morbidly obese bodies. Unnecessary handling and lifting of these bodies should be minimized, and so the admissions area, cool room storage and dissection theatre should be in close proximity to each other.
dc.description.statementofresponsibilityDavid Eitzen, Roger W. Byard
dc.identifier.citationJournal of Clinical Forensic and Legal Medicine: an international journal of forensic and legal medicine, 2013; 20(1):57-59
dc.identifier.doi10.1016/j.jflm.2012.04.032
dc.identifier.issn1752-928X
dc.identifier.issn1878-7487
dc.identifier.orcidByard, R. [0000-0002-0524-5942]
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2440/76029
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherChurchill Livingstone
dc.rights© 2012 Elsevier Ltd and Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine. All rights reserved.
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.jflm.2012.04.032
dc.subjectMorbid obesity
dc.subjectBariatric
dc.subjectMortuary
dc.subjectEquipment
dc.subjectLifting hoist
dc.subjectOccupational health and safety
dc.titleThe handling of bariatric bodies
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.publication-statusPublished

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