Specifications include, but are not limited to: • The Contractor(s) must be available on an as-needed basis, 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Prompt response times must be provided in proposal and adhered to throughout the contract’s duration. • Safe handling of the remains will be the responsibility of the successful Contractor. Multiple persons may be required to accomplish safe handling and transport, which may include heavy lifting. Contractor must have available staff to accomplish the move. The Coroner on the scene will advise upon notification how many personnel are recommended for the transport; however, it will only be a recommendation. The Contractor will need to make final determination of how many staff members are needed for safe handling. • The Contractor will remove the decedent from place of death within Berkeley County and deliver it to the Berkeley County Morgue. If the body requires an autopsy, an appointment must be made with pathology, and the Contractor will return to the morgue at the appointed date and time to deliver it to the pathology department. When taking decedent for autopsy, the Contractor will be included in the chain of custody for evidence. Typically, transports will be between place of death and mortuary or mortuary and autopsy location. Autopsies most often are performed at MUSC; occasionally, bodies will be taken to Charleston County Coroner’s Office. • The Contractor will act as agent for the Coroner; therefore, a Burial-Removal-Transit Permit (BRTP) is not needed to transport for the County. If taking custody for the County from a hospital, the hospital will issue a BRTP to the Coroner, who will provide a copy to the Contractor. The Coroner will issue a BRTP for the funeral home to take possession and move the body while in their custody.
