Situation: EMS on scene at a private home in DC (pre-COVID) calling to speak to a physician for medical control:

“6 y/o F found in asystolic cardiac arrest. No true rigor but upper extremities and jaw slightly stiff. Last seen alive 12 hours prior”.

The EMS team is requesting permission from the MCO physician to declare the patient deceased.

You request a temperature to be taken and ask EMS if there are any signs of life. EMS reports thermometer is reading low/unable to give a value. EMS confirms no signs of life.

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