You arrive on scene to find a body with conclusive signs of death. What is your next move?

In a situation where you encounter a body with conclusive signs of death, such as rigor mortis, livor mortis, or other definitive indicators, the correct course of action is to instruct bystanders to stop CPR. This step is crucial because performing CPR on a person who is already deceased is not only ineffective but can potentially cause further distress or confusion among bystanders and family members.

Recognizing conclusive signs of death indicates that resuscitation efforts would not be appropriate or productive. It's important to ensure that rescue efforts align with protocols and legal guidelines. By directing bystanders to cease CPR, you are upholding the ethical standards of emergency medical services, focusing on providing clarity and control at the scene.

While there may be a need to contact Medical Direction in some cases or provide assistance if someone has initiated CPR without confirming the status of the patient, those actions are not necessary once conclusive signs of death are established. Once the situation is clear, further actions such as reporting to the appropriate authorities may be necessary, but they do not involve continuing unnecessary medical interventions.