Photo By Staff Sgt. Alexandra Minor | Mr. William Hopkins, Medicolegal Death Investigator at the Armed Forces Medical...... read more read more
The life of a Medicolegal Death Investigator (MDI) at the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES) is dynamic and sometimes challenging. MDIs serve as the initial point of contact for any death. An MDI is subject to notification every hour of every day. They are responsible for coordinating the flow of autopsy operations for cases assigned to Dover.
A typical day in the life of an MDI includes collecting information about a death to determine AFMES’ involvement, deciding the direction of the remains while coordinating with their casualty partners, and assisting in getting AFMES resources to the scene of death or preparing resources at Dover to receive the body. They are there for the arrival of the decedent as well as the departure. Remains leaving AFMES custody are either transferred to the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations or a local funeral home.
MDIs often travel to regional locations, working closely with federal and state-level investigators. On the road, their duties become even more demanding. Unlike civilian death investigators, upon arrival to the scene, MDIs primarily encounter cases where the body has already been removed. Requiring them to rely on the detailed accounts from those present at the scene. The nature of their work requires effective coordination with other agencies to conduct thorough investigations.
“During operations, we try our best to inform other investigative agencies of the critical role of an MDI in each case. We are not there to simply copy what other investigative agencies have already gathered.” said Mr. William Hopkins, MDI. “We are there to also coordinate with them to do our own investigation, that is specially focused on determining the cause of death.”
When an MDI is assigned a case, they try to arrive at the scene of death within a day, working closely with special agents who secure the area until they arrive. Scenes range from residential homes to remote training areas, aircraft hangars, deserts, waterways, and dense forests. Sometimes requiring travel by boat or helicopter. MDIs look for forensic evidence such as blood patterns, signs of substance abuse, prescription medications, and environmental conditions. They look for clues and indicators that may assist the Medical Examiners (ME) during the autopsy. Documenting everything with photographs for the MEs and as evidence if they’re called to testify in court. They use the same techniques as the law enforcement investigators, but they’re not just focused on sign of a crime, they also look for clues that suggest an accident or natural cause. MDIs not only complete on-site investigations, but also assist during autopsies.
Along with their routine cases, MDIs assigned to AFMES also provide support for manned launches at the Kennedy Space Center, staging with medical triage teams for immediate response in a mishap scenario. In the month of June 2024, Ms. Katherine Grosso, MDI will support the First Commercial Crew Flight Test for the Boeing Starliner at Cape Canaveral, Florida. This will be Boeing’s first crewed launch, and a successful launch means the NASA Commercial Crew Program will have two crew-capable platforms for travel to the International Space Station. The MDIs also support SpaceX and astronauts on the Falcon 9.
The work of an MDI can be emotionally taxing, given the nature of the cases they handle. Leadership within the Forensic of Pathology Investigations Division place a strong emphasis on mental health, fostering an environment where team members support each other.
“The AFMES is made up of a group of very special people who seem to always have the backs of each other. We see and hear about terrible things daily, and some of the things we see are horrific. Not many people outside of AFMES can understand, so we make sure we are constantly checking in on each other. I know that if I am feeling different on any given day, I can just sit down with anyone in my unit and just chat. If I am out of the office, I know that I can call anyone in my unit, and they will gladly be there to just listen,” said Mr. Hopkins.
It takes a unique person to be an MDI. The job requires not just technical skills, but mental fortitude and balance. Finding balance can be different for each MDI at AFMES. Regular check-ins and open communication with colleagues are vital to maintaining mental well-being. Flexible scheduling allows for much-needed rest periods, acknowledging the unique demands of their work. In addition to the internal support, MDIs have personal strategies to manage stress. Some MDIs find solace in hobbies like fishing, providing a much-needed escape from their high-pressure responsibilities.
Other MDIs find balance in pouring into others. While on a case in Japan, Mr. Carlos Colon, MDI, helped a young airman through her first case and assisted in shifting her perspective on the value of what they do. By the end of the mission, through his encouraging words and guidance, the entire team assisting the MDIs felt validation in carrying the burden for the families of the fallen.
“I still speak of them often to my friends and coworkers. I am endlessly grateful for Mr. Colon’s humanity. For something that I have only experienced once and wish to never experience again, I am glad to have done it with Mr. Colon. I never would’ve made it through that experience without them,” recalled A1C Alexis Redin, Public Affairs Specialist.
Beyond their investigative duties, MDIs contribute significantly to the safety and readiness of the military. By sharing insights from their investigations, they help identify potential risks and improve safety protocols across various military installations. This proactive approach not only addresses individual cases but enhances the overall well-being of service members.
The AFMES MDIs also provide briefs to several institutes including the Naval Aerospace Medicine Institute (NAMI) and Naval School of Aviation Safety (SAS) on medicolegal perspectives in aviation mishap investigations.
“MDIs and MEs briefed flight surgeons on aviation mishap response for several years. We try to prepare them with experiential knowledge and case studies and provide insight on what to expect should they find themselves on a Class A fatal mishap board.” said Ms. Katherine Grosso, MDI. “We’ve already seen huge returns on investigative work product and engagement with our flight docs, but we’ve noticed that the Aviation Safety Officers, who run the mishap boards, are still struggling with our mission. After years of trying, I’ve finally gotten AFMES into the SAS schoolhouse, and I really think it’s going to make a big difference.”
MDIs take great pride in their work, knowing that they provide a vital service to both the fallen and their families. They ensure that every individual is treated with dignity and respect, and they support the bereaved during their most challenging times. This deep sense of purpose drive them to perform their duties with the utmost care and professionalism. Their work is not only crucial for determining causes of death but also for supporting military families and improving safety measures. Despite the emotional and physical demands of the job, MDIs remain committed to their mission, supported by a strong network of colleagues and personal resilience strategies.
“I love every part of what I do. I feel like we have all the tools and training we need to be there for those who die as well as their loved ones. We cannot change death, it happens. What I feel I can do each day is guarantee respect and dignity for the fallen while providing support and care for the ones they leave behind. This is never about us, it’s always about them,” said Mr. Hopkins.
| Date Taken: | 05.30.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 05.31.2024 09:15 |
| Story ID: | 472622 |
| Location: | DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, DELAWARE, US |
| Web Views: | 127 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Medicolegal Death Investigators at AFMES, by SSgt Alexandra Minor, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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