Evaluating Strangulation Evidence from a Medical Perspective

Merriam Young, MS, RN, CCRN, TCRN | Godoy Medical Forensics

Merriam has been a nurse for 22 years, 13 of which include care of trauma patients. The last six years she has worked in the Surgical/Trauma Intensive Care Unit at Stanford University Medical Center. Merriam has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master’s in Nursing from San Jose State University. She is currently completing a certificate in Forensic Nursing program from the University of California in Riverside. She is a certified critical care nurse and a trauma certified nurse.

Merriam has completed the four-day Advanced Strangulation Course and has reviewed multiple strangulation, assault, DUI and domestic violence cases. Merriam has been qualified to testify on Strangulation, Traumatic Brain Injury and Acceptable Medical Practice for Blood Draws.

I. Anatomy/Physiology | 12:00pm – 12:10pm

II. Statistics | 12:10pm – 12:15pm

III. Mechanisms | 12:15pm – 12:20pm

IV. Hypoxia/lethality | 12:20pm – 12:35pm

V. Petechiae | 12:35pm – 12:45pm

VI. Autopsy Findings | 12:45pm – 12:55pm

VII. Case Study | 12:55pm – 1:00pm