When a death occurs suddenly or cannot be explained, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conducts an investigation. All such deaths in Alberta are investigated under the authority of the Fatality Inquiries Act. The investigation is held to determine:

• Who died?
• Where did they die?
• When did they die?
• Why did they die?
• How did they die?

In some cases, a public fatality inquiry is held and recommendations are made to help prevent similar deaths.

Notification of a Death

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner must be notified when a death is:

1. An unexplained natural death,
2. An unexpected natural death, when the decedent appeared to be in good health,
3. A natural death where the decedent did not have a physician or had not been seen by a physician within the last 14 days,
4. A death that occurs during an operative procedure or within 10 days of an operative procedure,
5. A violent or unnatural death,
6. A death which is alleged to be a result of negligence,
7. A death in custody,
8. A death of an involuntary patient or "ward" of the government, and
9. A maternal death.

If a death occurs unexpectedly at home the local police department should be called. The police will in turn contact the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Further Information

Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Alberta, Canada

Calgary
4070 Bowness Road NW
Calgary, Alberta
T3B 3R7
Tel: 403-297-8123
Fax: 403-297-3429