Mission Statement
The mission of the Chippewa County Coroner's Office is to provide a voice for the deceased in terms of investigating and ultimately ruling on the manner and cause of death. We are statutorily responsible for investigating any unexplained, unusual, or suspicious deaths. These include: accidents, homicides, suicides, deaths attended by a Physician, deaths following a medical intervention, deaths within 24 hours of admission to a health care facility, and deaths where the attending physician is unavailable or unwilling to sign the death certificate. We strive to provide a compassionate, complete, and accurate medicolegal investigation.
Goal
Our goal is to have the highest standards of death investigation possible.
Responsibilities
Coroners and medical examiners across the state of Wisconsin essentially have the same task: determine the cause and manner of death. They are statutorily and legally responsible for completing a thorough death investigation.
The coroner, medical examiner, or their designee (chosen among deputies) is responsible for responding to death scenes that meet the reportable criteria. They initiate an investigation, examine and photograph the deceased, and document the circumstances of death. Further, they determine the need for further investigation via autopsy or some other form of physical examination in a clinical setting.
Difference Between Coroner & Medical Examiner
Coroners are constitutional positions elected to a four-year term through popular vote by the general public. On the other hand, medical examiners are appointed positions who are employees in the county that they serve. Very often, candidates in both positions have some medical or investigative credentials, such as a forensic nursing background, paramedical background, or law enforcement background. The duties and responsibilities of both are equivalent. Neither the coroner nor medical examiner needs to be a physician; however, a strong understanding of the disease process, pathology, and investigative process is desirable.