SPECIALIZED CRIME INVESTIGATION 1

(WITH LEGAL MEDICINE)

CDI 2
COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course covers the special study of modern technique

in the investigation of crimes involving crimes against
persons, and other related offenses. The application of
medical science in crime investigation with emphasis on the
medico-legal aspects of physical injuries, death, abortion,
infanticide, burn and poisoning. Develop framework of
investigating crimes, crime scene processing, and report
writing.
COURSE OUTLINE
1. Review on important and relevant topics, Rules and Laws in
Fundamental of Criminal Investigation.
2. Scene of Crime Operations of cases involving dead body infant or
adult, human body parts, and fetus. Kinds of Crime Scene Sketching
and Kinds/Types of Crime Scene Photography.
3. Wounds: Open wound and the Types/Classification; Closed
wound and the Types/Classification; Fracture and the
Types/classification; and Gunshot wound/s characteristics.
4. Classification and Degree of Burns. Types and Classification of
Poisons, Human Body Symptoms of Poison and Drowning.
5. Death - the Signs and Changes in the Human Body after death.
6. Develop Case Analysis on cases involving dead body infant or adult,
human body parts, and fetus.
7. How to Investigate? What framework of investigation? What evidence
are necessary? on the following crimes, and in all stage of the crime of
Parricide, Murder, Homicide, Infanticide and all kinds of Abortion, all kinds
of Physical Injuries, Rape, VAWC, Child Abuse, and suspected suicide
cases?
8. Affidavit - Affidavit of Arrest, Deposition, Complaint Affidavit, Affidavit of
Witness/es.
9. Report Writing – Initial, Incident, Spot, Progress, Follow-up, Final or
Investigation Report, Accomplishment Report, Post
Operation Report, Synopsis. ABC in report writing.
IMPORTANCE OF SPECIALIZED CRIME INVESTIGATION AND CRIME
SCENE OPERATIONS

LESSON 1. Concept of Specialized Crime Investigation

Special Crime Investigation deals with the study of major crimes

based on the application of special
Investigative technique.
The study concentrates more on physical evidence, its collection,
handling, identification and preservation in coordination with the crime
laboratory.
Special Crime Investigation involves a close relationship
another’s theories and findings both working patiently and
thoroughly to solve a crime between the prober in the field
and the crime laboratory technician. They work together as a
team, reacting to and extending one from their investigative
discoveries.
The present criminal justice system in our country, the court
relies more on physical evidence rather than extra-judicial
confession.
Example of cases subject to special crime investigation and legal
medicine:
1. Homicide 6. Robbery
2. Murder 7. Carnapping
3. Rape 8. Kidnapping
4. Abortion 9. Criminal Negligence
5. Arson 10. Drug Cases
Responsibilities of Special Crime Investigators

For a competent response in controlling criminals the following

responsibilities are required to be meticulously performed by the
investigator in handling special crime cases, to wit:
1. Determined if the crime has been committed;
2. Verify Jurisdiction;
3. Discover all facts and collect physical evidence;
4. Recover Stolen Property;
5. Identify the perpetrator;
6. Locate and apprehend the perpetrator;
7. Aid in the prosecution of the perpetrator; and
8. Testify effectively in court.
Phases of Special Crime Investigation

The investigator of criminal offenses by the law enforcement agencies

can be divided into three general phases.

The investigator of criminal offenses by the law enforcement agencies

can be divided into three general phases.
1. Preliminary Investigation. It is an action taken by the first
responder who arrive the crime scene after detection or report of said
crime. It also serves as foundation to solve the case.
2. In – depth Investigation. It is the reexamination of all leads
secured during preliminary investigation
3. The concluding investigation. It is the final phase of
investigation.
LESSON 2. Concept of Crime Scene
Crime Scene is the place where the essential ingredients of the
criminal act took place. It includes the setting of the crime and also the
adjoining places of entry and exit both offender and victim.

Three Types of Crime Scene

1. Outdoor Crime Scene – is the most vulnerable to loss,
contamination and damaging effects on biological evidence in a short
period of time.
2. Indoor Crime Scene – compared to an outdoor scene evidence at
an indoor scene is generally less susceptible to environmental loss and
deleterious change.
3. Conveyance Crime Scene – conveyance means of transportation.
The types of crimes committed in conveyances including the following:
(a)Vehicle burglary
(b)Grand theft
(c)Car theft

Primary Crime Scene VS Secondary Crime Scene

The primary crime scene is a type of crime scene where a crime
actually occurred. A secondary crime scene is in some way related to
the crime but is not where the actual crime took place.
Basic Components of Crime Scene
A. Suspect arrival at the scene
B. Place of entry
C. Movement of suspect from point of entry
D. Suspect contact with the victim
E. Place of exit
Physical Evidence
Articles and materials which are found in connection with an
investigation and which aid in establishing the identity of the perpetrator
or the circumstances under which the crime was committed or which in
general, assists in the prosecution of the criminal.

Kinds of Physical Evidence

(a.) Corpus Delicti – objects or substances which are an essential part
of the body of the crime.
(b.) Associative Evidence – evidence which links the suspects to the
crime scene or offense. Fingerprints or shoe impressions are good
examples.
(c.) Tracing Evidence – articles which assists the investigator in
locating the suspect.
Characteristics of Physical Evidence
a. Physical Evidence are factual
b. Physical Evidence does not forget
c. Physical Evidence are not confused by the excitement of
the moment
d. Physical Evidence cannot perjure
LESSON 3. Crime Scene Processing and Investigation
Crime investigation usually begins at the place where the crime was
committed. The area must be isolated and secured to prevent the
destruction of crucial physical evidence that can lead police to link the
perpetrators to the victim. The size of the area to be isolated and
secured varies with each case, and a series of protocols designed to
secure and protect evidence are followed.

The first police officer on the scene is responsible for preventing other
non-essential police personnel and civilians from entering the scene
and often establishes a perimeter around the crime scene with ropes or
tapes.
If witnesses are present, they are identified and remain outside the
perimeters of the crime scene while waiting for questioning by the
investigation team. If a death has occurred, a coroner, a crime scene
technician, and investigators are requested to the scene to assist the
police.

The Four Main Task of the first officer on the scene

1. To give first aid
2. To apprehend the suspected offender
3. To protect and if necessary, collect and preserve evidence
4. To cordon off and protect the area
Procedure at the Crime Scene

1. Proceed to crime scene and validate information regarding crime

incident;
2. Save and preserve life and provide emergency first aid for those
injured at the crime scene.
3. Be ready to take dying declaration of injured person. A dying
declaration is a statement made by a person who is under the
impending death in which such declaration is related to the facts in
which the person is competent to testify;
4. Arrest suspects/s if they are around or recommend for the conduct of
dragnet operation which pertains to an operation conducted to seal off
possible exits of the suspect/s.
5. Cordon the area, meaning isolate the place so that unauthorized
persons cannot enter the scene or suspect cannot destroy the
evidence;
6. Identify possible witness and do the preliminary interview if feasible;
7. Conduct initial investigation and briefing of investigator case (IOC)
upon his arrival at the scene; and
8. Conduct initial inventory of all possible evidence at the crime scene
which must be signed by him, the SOCO, and by the investigator.
Searching for Evidence
(a) A general survey of the scene is always made, however, to the
location of obvious traces of action, the probable entry and exit points
used by the offender(s) and the size and shape of the area involved.
(b) The investigator examines each item encountered on the floor,
walls, and ceiling to locate anything that may be of evidentiary value.
The investigator should:
i. Give particular attention to fragile evidence that may be destroyed or
contaminated if it is not collected when discovered.
ii. If any doubt exists as to the value of an item, treat it as evidence
until proven otherwise.
iii. Ensure that the item or area where latent fingerprints may be
present is closely examined and that action taken to develop the prints.
iv. Carefully protect any impression of evidentiary value in surfaces
conducive to making casts or molds. If possible, photograph the
impression and make a cast or mold.
v. Note stains, spots and pools of liquid within the scene and treat them
as evidence.
vi. Treat as evidence all other items, such as hairs, fiber, and earth
particles, foreign to the area in which they are fund –for example,
matter found under the victim’s fingerprints.
vii. Proceed systematically and uninterruptedly to the conclusion of the
processing of the scene. The search for evidence is initially completed
when, after a thorough examination of the scene, the rough sketch,
necessary photograph and investigative note have been completed
and the investigator has returned to the point from which the search
began. Further search may be necessary after the evidence and the
statements obtained have been evaluated.
(c) In large outdoor areas, it is advisable to divide the area into strips
about four (4) feet wide. The policeman may first search the strip on his
left he faces the scene then the adjoining strips.
(d) It may be advisable to make a search beyond the area considered to
be immediate scene of the incident or crime. For example, evidence
may indicate that a weapon or tool used in the crime was discarded or
hidden by the offender somewhere within a square-mile area near the
scene.
(e) After completing the search of the scene, the investigator examined
the object or person actually attacked by the offender.
Crime Scene Investigation Proper
1. Receipt of Briefing and Designation of Command Post
2. Initiation of Preliminary Survey
3. Preparation of Narrative Report
4. Documentation of the Crime Scene
5. Crime Scene Sketches
6. Detailed Search
7. Collection of Physical Evidence
8. Conduct of Final Survey
9. Release of the Crime Scene
Basic Steps in Crime Scene Investigation
1. Recognition - to know what crime has occurred and the possible
people involved.
2. Collection - the gathering of evidence in the crime scene.
3. Preservation - proper labeling and security of the evidence lifted
from the crime scene.
4. Evaluation - must to get held of the relevant evidence that traces
the perpetrator.
5. Presentation - this is to support the guilt of the perpetrator
especially during court appearance.
Methods of Crime Scene Search
The Golden Rule in Criminal Investigation, “Do not touch, alter, move, or
transfer any object at the crime scene unless it is properly marked,
measured, sketched and/or photographed.”

1. Strip Search Method - In this method, th00e area is blocked out in

the form of a rectangle. The three (3) searchers A, B, and C proceed
slowly at the same place along paths parallel to one side of the
rectangle. When a piece of evidence is found, the finder announces his
discovery and the search must stop until the evidence has been cared
for. A photographer is called, if necessary. The evidence is collected and
tagged and the search proceeds at a given signal. At the end of the
rectangle, the searchers turn and proceed along new lanes.
2. Double Strip or Grid Method of Search - It is a modification of the
Strip Search Method. Here, the rectangle is traversed first parallel to the
base then parallel to a side.
3. Spiral Search Method - In this method, the three searchers follow
each other along the path of a spiral, beginning on the outside and
spiraling in toward the center.
4. Zone Search Method - In this method of search, the area is
considered to be approximately circular. The searchers gather at the
center and proceed outward along radii or spokes. The procedure
should be repeated several times depending on the size of the circle
and number of searchers. One shortcoming of this method is the great
increase in the area to be observed as the searcher departs from the
center.
Markings of Evidence
Any physical evidence obtained must be marked or tagged before its
submission to the evidence custodian. These are information to ensure
that the items can be identified by the collector at any time in the future.
This precaution will help immeasurably to establish the credibility of the
collector’s report or testimony and will effectively avoid any suggestions
that the item has been misidentified.
Markings on the specimen must at least contain the following:
1. Exhibit Case Number
2. Initials and or signature of the collecting officer.
3. Time and date of collection.
NOTE: It is also important to note the place or location where the evidence was
collected.
Collecting Evidence

This is accomplished after the search is completed, the rough sketch

finished and photographs taken. The fragile evidence should be
collected as they are found. All firearms (FAs) found to have tampered
serial numbers (SNs) shall be automatically subjected to macro etching
at the Philippine National Police Forensic Laboratory. A corresponding
report to the Firearms and Explosive Office (FEO) must be made for
verification purposes. In the collection, the investigator should touch the
evidence only when necessary.
Removal of Evidence

The investigator places his initials, the date and the time of
discovery on each item of evidence and the time discovery
on each item of evidence for proper identification. Items that
could not be marked should be placed in a suitable
container and sealed.
Tagging of Evidence
Any physical evidence obtained must be tagged before its
submission to the evidence custodian.

Evaluation of Evidence
Each item of evidence must be evaluated in relation to all other
evidence, individually and collectively.
Preservation of Evidence
It is the investigator’s responsibility to ensure that every precaution is
exercised to preserve physical evidence in the state in which it was
recovered/obtained until it is released to the evidence custodian.

Releasing the Scene

The scene is not releases until all processing has been completed. The
release should be effective at the earliest practicable time, particularly
when an activity has been closed or its operations curtailed.
LESSON 4. Crime Scene Sketch and Photography

Crime Scene Sketch

It is a permanent record that provides supplemental information that is
not easily accomplished with the exclusive use of crime scene
photographs and notes. A crime scene sketch depicts the overall layout
of a location and the relationship of evidentiary items to the
surroundings that reconstruct the crime.
Elements of Sketching:
1. Measurements – it must be accurate up to the last inches.
2. Compass Direction – a standard arrow to designate the north must
be indicated to facilitate proper orientation.
3. Essential Items – sketch must include importance of investigation.
4. Scale or Proportion – the scale of the drawing depends on the area
to be shown, the amount of detail to be shown, and the size of the
drawing paper available. The actual scale must be stated in the sketch.
5. Legend – The explanation of any symbol used to identify objects
must be stated. But excessive lettering in the sketch generally results in
a crowded sketch and obscures the essential items.
6. Title – this includes case identification, identification of the victim,
scene portrayed, location, data and hour made and name of sketcher
Rules in Making a Sketch of the Crime Scene

1. Never forget to determine the direction of the compass.

2. Control measurements. Do not rely on others to give them.
3. Do not draw things which are clearly irrelevant to the case. The
advantage of sketching over photography is that the sketch only
contains the essentials, whereas the photograph often is overcrowded.
4. Never rely on memory to make corrections at the headquarters only.
5. The scale must be drawn on the sketch. If a camera is used, marked
its position of the sketch
General Type of Sketch

1. Rough Sketch
Made at the crime scene, no scale, proportion ignored and everything is
approximate.
2. Finished Sketch
For courtroom presentation, scale and proportion are strictly observed
Kinds of Sketch
1. Sketch of Locality
Gives a picture of the crime scene in relation to its environment
including neighboring buildings, roads, etc.
2. Sketch of Grounds
Includes the crime scene and its nearest environment, ex a house w/
a garden.
3. Sketch of Details
Describes the immediate crime scene only.
Crime Scene Photography

This is a documentation of different aspects that can be found at a

crime scene. It may include the documentation of the physical evidence
that is either found at a crime scene for reconstruction.
Procedures for Crime Scene Photography
There are certain procedures to be followed to obtain proper
photographs of the crime scene. They are:
• Securing the Scene: After the crime has been reported and crime
scene established, the scene should be secured as it is, any
reallocation in the scene photographed will act as wrong evidence
• Evaluating Conditions: Conditions such as light and weather
should be evaluated, and camera settings should be adjusted
accordingly
• Photographing the Entire Scene: Photographer should capture
the entire scene using wide-angle shots followed by close up shots to
visualize the full scene to show relationship of the evidence to the
overall scene.
• Photographing the Victims: While photographing the victims,
location, injuries, and condition of victims should be highlighted
• Photographing the Evidence: Photographs should be taken
directly at right angles, eliminating probable distance distortions for clear
visualization with a scale to signify size and without scale to show
relationship with overall scene.
• Placing Evidence Markers: First shot of entire crime scene is
very essential to confirm that no one has altered with the crime scene.
Photographer should capture the scene with and without the evidence
markers.
• Use of Filters and Alternate Light Source: Alternate light
sources such as lasers and filters should be used to be used to detect
fingerprints, bite marks, and footprints.
Types of Crime Scene Photography

a. General View or Long-range

General view or long-range photographs of the overall scene
fundamentally are taken to portray the areas as if a person viewing the
scene is seeing it from the standing position. To obtain this result, the
photographer takes the photograph with the camera at eye level.
b. Medium View or Mid-range
Medium view or mid-range photographs are taken in a manner which
portrays the scene from approximately ten to twenty feet of distance
from the subject matter. In order that the viewer will be permitted to
associate the crime scene with separate areas of the scene
photographed, these areas should contain sufficient details to permit the
viewer this association.
c. Close-up View/ Range
Close-up range photographs are normally taken approximately five feet
or less from the subject matter. The attention of close-up photography is
directed to object which could be effectively seen in the long-range and
mid-range photographs.
Take necessary extreme close-up shot on the subject to show the extent
of damage, objects that is small in size such as fingerprints, shoe print,
tool marks, fibers, hair, injury, blood splatter, documents, tools, etc.
Always take a second photograph with a scale to show the actual size
of the object and the camera must always be parallel to the film plane
(use tripod and a measuring scale/device to be more accurate).
Crime Scene Reconstruction
Crime scene reconstruction is the process of determining or eliminating
the events and actions that occurred at the crime scene through
analysis of the crime scene pattern, the location and position of the
physical evidence, and the laboratory examination of the physical
evidence. Reconstruction not only involves scientific scene analysis,
interpretation of the scene pattern evidence and laboratory examination
of physical evidence, but also involves systematic study of related
information and the logical formulation of a theory.
Reconstruction of the Crime
After the completion of the search, an effort must be made to determine
from the appearance of the place and its objects what naturally
occurred and what were the circumstances of a crime is known as the
reconstruction of the crime.

Kinds of Reconstruction
1. Physical Reconstruction – the physical appearance of the crime
scene is reconstructed from the description of witnesses and indication
of the physical evidence. There is actual re-performance of the crime
committed.
2. Mental Reconstruction – after physical reconstruction, conclusions
can be made concerning the consistency of the accounts of various
witnesses. No assumption should be made

Crime reenactment is a practice where criminal suspects are ordered,

as part of the police investigation process, to describe or act out the
steps of the crime of which they are accused. It is claimed to help
investigators visualize the crime and verify confessions.
LESSON 5. Scene of the Crime Operations
In the Philippines, the Scene of Crime Operations unit or PNP SOCO
was specifically created to address this problem. Making it easier for
police investigators to solve crimes, identify criminals and provide for
the evidence necessary for the prosecution to build a strong case
against the accused (Guevara & Almojuela, 2010).

Equipment for Crime Scene Operation

1. Basic Equipment - Crime Scene tape or Rope (Police Line),
Measuring device e.g. ruler and measuring tape, Recording 1.materials
e.g. chalk, sketcher and paper pad, Camera with film, Video camera or
tape recorder, Evidence collection kit, Flashlight.
2. Evidence Containers - String tags-large and small, Evidence tape
or masking tape, Roll of manila paper for wrapping, Plastic gallon, ½
pint bottles/vials-plastic and glass, ¼ pint bottles/vials-plastic glass,
Absorbent cottons, Rolls of fingerprint tape, Plastic bags-different sizes,
Paper bags-different sizes.
3. Tools - Pair of scissors, Knife-heavy duty and folding knife,
Adjustable wrench, Pliers, Wire cutter, Complete screwdriver set, Saw,
Hammer, Ax of hatchet, Shovel, Fingerprint magnifier, Nylon brush,
Magnet, Spatula, Box of plaster of Paris for casting or lifting foot marks,
Goggles, Sifting screen, Funnels of different sizes, Ladder, Hand lens
of magnifier, Weighting scale, Vernier caliper and micrometer, Scalpels.
4. Evidence Gathering Equipment - Rubber glove and cotton, Box or
filter, White cotton sheet, Cotton balls and swabs, Fingerprint car, data
card and ink cards, Photo data card, Black and white latent print lifting
cards, Rolls of lifting card, Complete magna brush kit, Complete dusting
kit, Heavy duty rubber lifters, Camera whit no wide angel, normal and
macro lens, Arson kit, Casting and molding kit, Electric engraver.
5. Miscellaneous - Rubber bands, Pencil, ball pens, pentel pen-
different color, Chalks, Permanent flat marker, Eraser, Stapler with extra
staple, Assorted paper clip and binders, Notebooks, paper pads, sketch
pads and drawing pads, Drawing compass, Clippers, Magnetic
directional compass, Carbon papers and coupon bonds.
General SOCO Procedures
1. Preparation Prior to the Conduct of SOCO
(a) Ensure the availability of packaging and collection materials
necessary for typical search circumstance.
(b) Prepare the preliminary format for the paperwork needed to
document the conduct of the search.
(c) Discuss upcoming search with the involved personnel.
(d) Make preliminary personnel assignments before arrival at scene, if
practicable.
(e) Consider the safety and comfort of search personnel. Be prepared
for probable impediments which may be poised by weather or terrain.
Ensure that basic crime scene search several equipment are functional.
These should consist of the communication, lighting, first aid, and
security equipment.
(f) Ensure that all SOCO Team elements tasked to enter the crime
scene must be wearing surgical gloves and other protective gears as
maybe necessary.
(g) Assess the personnel assignments normally required to successfully
process a crime scene and ensure that such assignments are in
keeping with the training, experience, attitude, and aptitude of each
individual.
2. Crime Scene Approach
(a) Be alert for discarded evidence.
(b) Make pertinent notes about the condition of the Crime Scene based
on the systematic observation & scene assessment.
(c) Establish frame-of-mind to take control of scene regardless of
circumstance observed on arrival.
(d) Consider personnel safety.
3. Preliminary Crime Scene Survey.
(a) The survey is an organizational stage to a planned search.
(b) A cautious walk-through of the scene must be accomplished by the
Team Leader.
(c) The SOCO Team Leader provides and ensures the operational focus
of the Team.
(d) Select appropriate narrative description techniques that should
provide answers to the 5 W’s & 1H.
(e) Organize methods and procedures needed to recognize special
problem areas.
(f) Identify and protect transient physical evidence.
(g) Make an extensive narrative note on the physical and environmental
conditions of the crime scene based on the exact locations of items
found thereat and condition of the crime scene as received from the
investigator on case.
4. Evaluation of Physical Evidence
(a) This evaluation begins upon arrival at scene and becomes detailed
in preliminary survey stage.
(b) Based on preliminary survey, establish evidence types most likely to
be encountered.
(c) Ensure that collection and packaging equipment is sufficient for task
at hand.
(d) Ensure that all personnel are aware of the great variety of possible
evidence.
(e) Focus first on the easily accessible areas in open view and progress
eventually to possible out-of-view locations.
(f) Consider whether the evidence appears to have been moved
inadvertently.
(g) Evaluate whether or not the scene and evidence appear intentionally
contrived.
5. Narrative description of the Crime Scene
(a) The narrative is a running, general terms description of the condition
of the crime scene.
(b) Photography supplements narrative description of the crime scene.
(c) Do not permit narrative effort to degenerate into a sporadic and
unorganized attempt to recover physical evidence.

6. Crime Scene Photography / Videography

(a) Begin photographing the crime scene as soon as possible.
(b) Document the photographic effort with a photograph log.
(c) Ensure that a progression of overall, medium and close up views of
the scene is established.
(d) Photograph evidence in place before its collection and packaging.
(e) Photograph items, places, etc., to corroborate the statement of
witnesses, victims, suspects.
(f) Take photoraphs from eye level, when feasible, to represent scene
as would be observed by normal view.
(g) Prior to lifting latent fingerprints, photographs should be taken.
7. Sketch of Crime Scene

(a) The diagram establishes permanent records of items, conditions and

distance/size relationships-diagram supplement photographs.
(b) Number designations sketch should be coordinated with same
number designations on evidence log.
(c) The sketch should contain sufficient measurements and details to be
used as a model for drawn to scale diagram, or indicate a disclaimer if
not drawn to scale.
8. Detailed Crime Scene Search

(a) Conduct search in a general manner and work to the specifics

regarding evidence items.
(b) Photograph all items before collection and enter notation in
photographic log.
(c) Mark evidence locations on diagram/sketch.
(d) Do not handle evidence excessively after recovery.
(e) Seal all evidence containers at the crime scene.
9. Physical Evidence Recording and Collection

(a) Tag and photograph evidence in place before collection.

(b) Methodically record the recovered evidence. Mark evidence (mark
item itself whenever feasible)
(c) Place identifying marks in evidence containers.
10. Final Crime Scene Survey

(a) Discuss search jointly with all personnel for completeness.

(b) Double-check documentation to detect inadvertent errors.
(c) Check to ensure all evidence is accounted for before departing the
scene.
(d) Ensure all equipment used in the search is gathered.
(e) Make sure possible hinding places or difficult access areas have not
been overlooked in detailed search.
11. Turn-Over/Release of Crime Scene to Investigator-On-Case

(a) Ensure that appropriate inventory has been provided.

(b) Release the scene with the notion that there is only one chance to
perform the job correctly and completely.
(c) Release is accomplished only after completion of the final survey
and proper documentation.
FORMS OF WOUNDS

LESSON 6 - Blunt Force Wounds

Mortal Wound - is capable of causing death.
When a person is struck with blunt objects, such as pipe, club, or
fist, the severity of the injury can range from mild to severe.

Common Forms of External Violence

a. Abrasion - is an injury characterized by removal of the specific
epithelial layer of the skin brought about by friction against a hard
rough surface.
Examination of Abrasion can Indicate:
• The exact site of where an object struck the skin.
• The direction of the wounding object was travelling when it struck
the skin.

b. Contusion (Bruise) - an injury found in the subcutaneous of the

skin discoloration of the surface due to extravasations of blood caused
by the application of a blunt instrument. Contusion may be produced
postmortem. The force or intensity of a blow cannot be judged by the
size or color of the bruise. Bruise does not necessarily occur at the
time of impact.
Bruisning depends on:
• Age - Children and older people tend to bruise easily.
• Sex - women generally bruise easier than men.
• Body site - areas near the eyes or areas of loose skin bruise easier
than large muscled areas.
• Natural disease - some disease or medical conditions will cause
more bruising than normal.

c. Laceration - is the tearing of the skin due t forcible contact with a

blunt instrument that causes a small opening of the skin or also referred
to as cutaneous laceration.
d. Coup and Contrecoup Injuries
• Coup - signifies that the injuries are located beneath the impact
(usually caused by blow).
• Contrecoup - the injuries are on the opposite side from where the
blow was initiated.
e. Incised Wounds - produced by sharp-edged instrument like bolo,
broken glass, knife, etc.
Characteristics of Cutting Wounds are:
• Minimum bruising
• No bridging of nerves or vessels
• Wounds tend to be longer than deep
• Overlaying hair can be cut
• Bleeds freely
• Instrument id seldom indicated by the wound
• Little trace evidence

f. Stab Wounds - It is a wound produced by a sharp edged and pointed

instrument in the penetration of the wounding instrument, it is the
pointed which is first to come in contact with the body than sharp edged
portion.
Characteristics of Stab Wounds are:
• Result of pointed sharp object forced inward.
• Tend to be deeper penetration than wide (muscle and skin can
stretch, distorting wound)
• Presents danger to vital organs or structure (perforate or penetrate).
• Often little or no external blood.
• May indicate type of weapon used (length and width, hit marks).
• Tip of weapon may break off in wound.
g. Punctured Wound - is a deep wound caused by a pointed
instrument like a nail. The opening on the skin is small, and the puncture
wound may not bleed much. Puncture wounds can easily become
infected.

h. Perforating Wound - a wound with an entrance and exit opening.

i. Bite - is a wound received from the teeth of an animal, including

humans.
(ecchymosis - Extravasation of blood underneath the skin caused by
sucking action that results to discoloration)
LESSON 7: CLASSIFICATION AND DEGREE OF BURNS

BURN
A burn is an injury to the skin or other organic tissue primarily caused by
heat or due to radiation, radioactivity, electricity, friction or contact with
chemicals.
Thermal (heat) burns occur when some or all the cells in the skin or
other tissues are destroyed by:
• hot liquids (scalds)
• hot solids (contact burns)
• flames (flame burns)
Classifications of Burns
1. First-degree (Superficial) burns
- Affect only the epidermis, or outer layer of the skin. The burn site is
red, painful, dry, and with no blisters. Mild sunburn is an example. Long-
term tissue damage is rare and usually involves an increase or decrease
in the skin color.

2. Second-degree (Partial Thickness) burns

- Involve the epidermis and part of the dermis layer of skin. the burn site
appears red, blistered, and may be swollen and painful.
3. Third-degree (Full Thickness) burns
- Destroy the epidermis and dermis. Third-degree burns may also
damage the underlying bones, muscles, and tendonds. When bones,
musces, or tendons are also burned, this may be referred to as a
fourth-degree burn. The burn site appears white or cahrred. There is no
feeling in the area since the nerve endings are destroyed.
POISON
Poison is a substance, natural or synthetic, that causes damage to living
tissues and has an injurious or fatal effect on the body, whether it is
digested, inhaled, or absorbed or injected through the skin.
Poisoning is when a toxic substance (poison) makes you sick or
harms you. Poisons can come from plants, animals, household
cleaners and chemicals, medications, carbon monoxide and more.
Elements of Poisoning
1. The poison
2. The Poisoned Organism
3. The injury to the cells
4. The symptoms and signs or death.
Types of Poison
1. Poisonous Plants - Certain plants contain toxins that can harm you
when absorbed into your skin or ingested. Example of poisonous plants
include poison ivy and poison hemlock.
2. Venom - Is a poison that animals make. It can enter you body
through a wound or injury. Examples include bee stings, jellyfish stings,
scorpion stings, fire ant bites and snake bites. Venom exposure can
cause mild sympyoms or, in some cases,life-threathening reactions.
3. Heavy Metals - When heavy metals build up in your body, they can
become poisonous. Examples include mercury poisoning, arsenic
poisoning and lead poisoning.
4. Carbon Monoxide - breathing in carbon monoxide (CO) fumes can
lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. CO is especially dangerous
because you can’t see it or smell it. A working CO detector is the only
way to know it’s there. High levels of CO in your body can cause death
after jus a few minutes.
5. Contaminated Food - Toxins from bacteria, fungi and mold can
contaminate your food and cause food poisoning. This happens when
you eat food that’s not fresh, washed properly, cooked thoroughly or
stored at the correct temperature. Common bacterial culprits are E.coli,
samonella and listeria. Ciguatoxin in some types of fish that less
frequently makes people sick but can lead to serious illness.
6. Mushroom - Toxins from poisonous mushrooms often cause
digestive syptoms that usually pass on their own. But some toxins can
lead to liver and kidney failure. Always use extreme caustion because
deadly muschrooms are easy to mistake for delicious ones.
7. Medications - Any medication can become a poison if taken
incorrectly. Common examples include narcotic pain medications,
acetaminophen (Tylenol) and blood thinners. Even over-the-counter
(OTC) medications and supplements can cause harm. This is why you
need to tell your healthcare provider everything you take that’s not
prescribed so they can determine if these are safe to continue. If your
provider konws everything you’re taking, they can also determine
whether there are interactions between or among your medications.
8. Nicotine - Nicotine poisoning can happen to anyone, but it’s most
common in children who may eat cigarettes or consume liquid nicotine
(from e-cigarettes).
9. Alcohol - Alcohol poisoning happens when you consume ethyl
alcohol (commonly just called “alcohol”) faster than your body can
process and eliminate it. It can aslo happen with types of alcohol your
body can’t process safely, like isopropyl (rubbing) or methyl alcohols
(also known as “methanol” or “wood alcohol”).
10. Cleaning products - Many household cleaners contain chemicals
that are poisonous when ingested, mishandled or used incorrectly.
Mixing gas (which is deadly).
11. Pesticides - Chemicals in most pesticides are poisonous if
consumed. Children face the greatest risk.

Symptoms of Acute Poison Exposure

1. Changes in body temperature
2. Changes in heart rate
3. Chest pain
4. Confusuon
5. Cough, possibly with blood
6. Diarrhea, nausea and/ vomitinf
7. Dizziness, weakness or fainting
8. Eye pain, redness, swelling or tearing
9. Headache
10. Severe burning in your eyes, nose, throat and airways
11. Skin rash, redness, pain, burning or stinging
12. Stomach pain and cramping
13. Trouble breathing
14. Trouble seeing or loss of vision
DROWNING
Drowning is defined as a process of experiencing respiratory impairment
from submersion/immersion in a liquid medium. To delineate the
incident’s outcome, this is further divided into descriptive terms such as
death, morbidity, and no morbidity.

Types of Drowning
1. Wet Drowning - This is the most common form of drowning, where
water enters the lungs and impairs the person’s ability to breathe. Wet
drowning typically occurs when a person is submerged in water and
cannot reach the surface for air.
2. Dry Drowning - In dry drowning, the person’s airway closes up due to
a spasm, preventing water from entering the lungs. However, the lack of
pxygen still leads to unconsciousness and eventual death. Dry drowning
can occur even after a person has been rescued from the water, as the
airway can close up several hours after the initial incident.
3. Secondary Drowning - This type of drowning occurs when a small
amount of water enters the lungs, causing inflammation and the buildup
of fluid. Over time, this fluid buildup can impair the person’s ability to
breathe and lead to drowning. Secondary drowning can happen hours or
even days after the initial water exposure.
4. Silent Drowning - Refers to cases where a person drowns sithout
exhibiting the typical signs of struggle or distress. In many instances,
the victim may appear to be swimming normally before slipping
beneath the water’s surface.