This is technical forensic work at the full performance level processing and dissecting bodies and participating in post mortem examinations under the expertise of a pathologist. Employees in this class retrieve, transport, store and release bodies as part of the processing of cadavers and perform a variety of custodial tasks to ensure the cleanliness of the work area and care of equipment. Employees work on assigned shifts. Work requires moderate physical effort and involves conditions which can only be partially controlled in that employees are exposed to contaminated and decomposed cadavers. Work is performed under the supervision of a pathologist or higher level forensic technician.

ALLOCATING FACTORS:
(The following conditions must be met for a position to be approved for this class.)

• The work must be performed in the City's Medical Examiner's Office.
• The position must be responsible for the pick-up, receipt and dissection of bodies.

• Picks up all decomposed or badly mangled bodies; retrieves cadavers from local hospitals; receives bodies when brought into the Medical Examiner's Office; conducts searches for body parts in cases where bodies have been so badly mangled that parts have been severed; conducts searches at scenes when picking up bodies in order to locate information for the identification of the decedent and next of kin.
• Weighs and measures bodies upon receipt; undresses, lifts and moves bodies for post mortem examination by the pathologist; fingerprints bodies for purposes of identification; takes identification pictures of bodies in autopsy area.
• Positions body on autopsy table; assembles dissecting board and surgical instrumentations; makes incision in torso; cuts away rib cage with a saw; observes body for any abnormalities which include adhesions, tumors, or missing organs reporting such to pathologists; removes organs from the body which include the lungs, liver, spleen and kidneys, among others; weighs all such organs and records weight on autopsy worksheet for review by the pathologist; placed organs in a tray for examination by a pathologist.
• Removes and opens intestines; removes and measures fluid from body cavities; obtains blood and urine samples for toxicology studies.
• Makes incision in scalp; opens the cranium using a saw; removes and weighs the brain and brain stem; observes brain for excess bleeding, discoloration or surgical sutures; removes spinal cord and exposes middle ear at the request of the pathologist.
• Puts organs in a plastic bag after review by pathologist; places bag in chest cavity; replaces rib cage; sews up torso; inserts packing in brain cavity; restores top of skull; sews up scalp incision; restores defects of the body; takes x- rays and fluoroscope images of cadavers.
• Releases bodies to undertakers, assists undertakers in moving bodies; places bodies in wooden boxes and transports them to burial site; places bodies in prepared ground.
• Prepares receipt and delivery of cadaver reports; prepares personal effects reports and other related records; cleans and sterilizes instruments and equipment; cleans autopsy room, refrigerators and motor vehicles; drives van to transport bodies to the Medical Examiner's Office; performs routine preventive maintenance on van; operates washer and dryer for cleaning of clothing, sheets and other material used in the autopsy area; disposes of infectious waste in accord with proper procedures.
• Uses computer for data entry and reports related to Forensic Technician Unit.
• Testifies in court.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• gross human anatomy and of the characteristic appearance of normal and abnormal human organs.
• the autopsy procedures involved in making incisions and cranial openings and in removing organs from cadavers.
• the clerical and related procedures involved in receiving and releasing bodies.

SKILL IN:

• the use and care of surgical instruments and saws used in dissecting cadavers and removing organs.

ABILITY TO:

• work with decomposed and contaminated bodies.
• prepare and maintain records and reports.
• understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates.
• lift and move bodies.

EDUCATION

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade.

• One year of experience under professional supervision in the dissection of human bodies in a morgue or forensic pathology laboratory.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, AND/OR CERTIFICATES

• Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Forensic Technician I if required by work assignment.

PAY RANGE: 12
Class Established:
  CSC - 10/1963 ; Ad Board - 11/1963

Latest Spec. Revision:
  CSC - 3/1994 ; Ad Board - 4/1994

KH/sb/sb