Information for Law Enforcement/EMS

Requirement to Report Certain Deaths

In order to assure that deaths requiring investigation by the coroner are not overlooked, the Ohio Revised Code requires physicians, law enforcement personnel, and EMS personnel to notify the coroner of certain deaths: "When any person dies as a result of criminal or other violent means, by casualty, by suicide, or in any suspicious or unusual manner, when any person, including a child under two years of age, dies suddenly when in apparent good health, or when any mentally retarded person or developmentally disabled person dies regardless of the circumstances, the physician called in attendance, or any member of an ambulance service, emergency squad, or law enforcement agency who obtains knowledge thereof arising from the person’s duties, shall immediately notify the office of the coroner of the known facts concerning the time, place, manner, and circumstances of the death, and any other information that is required pursuant to sections 313.01 to 313.22 of the Revised Code. In such cases, if a request is made for cremation, the funeral director called in attendance shall immediately notify the coroner." - O.R.C. 313.12 (A) Although only deaths of the types listed above must, by law, be reported, it is recommended that EMS and Law Enforcement personnel report death of which comes to their attention while performing their duties.

Guidelines for Reporting

  • Report the death as soon as possible by calling 937-521-2116.
  • Except in extenuating circumstances, do not move the body.
  • Except in extenuating circumstances, preserve the scene of death.
  • Leave all medical devices/equipment in place, including IV fluids.
  • If you have or the decedent’s family has questions, don’t hesitate to ask.

Information to Report

Report the following information, if known:

  • Name and title of individual making the report
  • Name of the decedent
  • Address
  • Social security number
  • Date of birth and age
  • Sex
  • Race
  • Marital status
  • Attending physician(s)
  • Next-of-kin (name, address, phone number, relationship)
  • Pertinent medical history
  • Date, time, and circumstances of fatal injury / onset of illness
  • Place of death
  • Date and time of death
  • Circumstances of death
  • Cause of death
  • Name of physician pronouncing death
  • Location of the body
  • Name of funeral home
  • Any other information which may be helpful