Things Are Not What They Seem: A Collection of Interesting Case Studies from the Medical Examiner Scene Queens

With the rise of illicit fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, synthetic cathinones, xylazine, and other substances adulterating many traditional street drugs, users often have no idea what they are consuming, leading to overdose and death.  This further complicates toxicology testing and death determination.  This presentation will cover interesting postmortem case studies from Ohio, Denver, and Miami from the scene perspective through autopsy and toxicology testing. Some of the cases involve unlikely victims, polydrug overdoses where an unexpected analyte was detected, and the latest trends.  

Detailed Learning Objectives

1. Attendees will understand the importance of being open-minded and expecting the unexpected with regards to scene investigations.
2. Attendees will gain a greater awareness of current drug trends in their area.
3. Attendees will learn the importance of teamwork and communication between scene investigation, toxicology, pathology, local and federal law enforcement, and other agencies.