Deaths of British nationals abroad--a 10-year survey

Details are presented of all deaths of British Nationals abroad where a post mortem examination after repatriation was carried out in what is now the Wales Institute of Forensic Medicine. The problems posed by such deaths are discussed and the conclusion is drawn that without international uniformity in technique and documentation of medico-legal post mortem examinations, H.M. Coroner cannot be confident that all pathological evidence has been gathered from such an examination carried out in another country. A plea is made for international uniformity in the criteria for selection of deaths which require post mortem examination.