This article was taken from the September 2013 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by <span class="s1">subscribing online.
Finding a body is traumatic -- and handling it incorrectly may destroy evidence if needed. "The sights and smells are worse than an autopsy," says Nigel McCrery, an ex-police officer and a writer of the drama Silent Witness. He explains how to deal with an unpleasant discovery -- and preserve a possible crime scene.
Look for life signs
Check if the subject is actually breathing unobtrusively. Use a mirror to check for breath, or use two fingers to find a pulse on the neck or wrist -- "they could merely be unconscious," says McCrery. Try to move a hand to see if it's stiff. Call an ambulance and the police immediately.
Protect the scene
It's important to preserve evidence, so if it's raining, cover the body with a coat. "If you see a weapon, don't touch it, but try to cover it,"
McCrery says. Leave the scene following your original path, and keep onlookers back. "If a doctor turns up, guide them down the same route you took."
Document the scene
Note the time that you found the body -- it's the first thing the police will ask you. If someone else is at the scene, memorise their clothing and features. "It's a complete judgment call,"
McCrery says. "But they could be the murderer. If they give you an out to go -- go."
Don't interfere
McCrery has seen family members try to rearrange the limbs of loved ones that have become twisted as rigor mortis sets in. Leave the body to the emergency services, who will maximise the preservation of evidence. "Most deaths are natural, but always treat it as suspicious first."
*Read more from our <a href="https://www.wired.co.uk/magazine/archive/2013/09/how-to/make-the-impossible-happen"
title="Make the impossible happen">Extreme How To special here</a>*
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
