The Opioid Epidemic: An Update from the Coroner/ME Perspective

Between 2016 and 2017, overdose deaths increased from 63,632 to 70,237. Of these, 47,600 overdose deaths involved opioids. In 2017, West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and the District of Columbia were the top five states with the highest rate of drug overdose deaths. 

This presentation provided an overview of the opioid epidemic from the medical examiner and coroner perspective. Attendees learned about the current state of forensic pathology in the United States, as well as the history, production, metabolism, and pharmacology of heroin. Additionally, the subject matter expert shared a review of heroin overdose signs, autopsy and scene findings, and considerations for forensic toxicology.