Sudden unexplained death — DVA SoP factors

Reasonable Hypothesis (RH) — Statement of Principles No. 45 of 2022

At least one of the following factors must as a minimum exist before it can be said that a reasonable hypothesis has been raised connecting sudden unexplained death with the circumstances of a person's relevant service:

1. (1)
   experiencing a major, stressful event that causes an intense emotional or psychological response, within the 24 hours before the sudden unexplained death;

   Note: Examples of major, stressful events that can cause an intense emotional or psychological response include an event that involves a direct threat to the person's life, and being assaulted, including sexual assault.

2. (2)
   undertaking a bout of intense physical activity of at least 5 METs within the 24 hours before the sudden unexplained death;

   Note: MET is defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.

3. (3)
   receiving a blow to the chest immediately before the sudden unexplained death;

   Note: blow to the chest is defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.

4. (4)
   having a BMI of 35 or greater at the time of the sudden unexplained death;

   Note: BMI is defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.

5. (5)
   having diabetes mellitus at the time of the sudden unexplained death;
6. (6)
   having epilepsy at the time of the sudden unexplained death;
7. (7)
   having hypertension at the time of the sudden unexplained death;
8. (8)
   having a blood alcohol content of at least 0.15 percent at the time of the sudden unexplained death;
9. (9)
   taking a drug that prolongs the corrected QT interval within the 7 days before the sudden unexplained death;

   Note: Many drugs can prolong the corrected QT interval. Examples of drug classes that can prolong the corrected QT interval include anti-arrhythmics, antihistamines, antibiotics, antifungals, diuretics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, opiates and anticancer agents.

10. (10)
    taking a drug from the specified list of drugs within the 24 hours before the sudden unexplained death;

    Note: specified list of drugs is defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.