What happens in a medicolegal expert witness consultation?

You will be reviewed by Dr Anwar who is a Private GP, Occupational Health Physician and has a medicolegal background. The cases that he has done are mainly based on the defendant.

The appointment will usually last around 1 hour in duration and would involve a thorough review of the medical records, review of any police witness statements (if this is available) and then a thorough physical examination which would usually involve the following:-

• Basic Clinical Observations (Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, Peripheral Oxygen Sats, Respiratory Rate, Temperature)
• Chest auscultation for Respiratory Examination.
• Heart auscultation for Cardiovascular Examination.
• ENT Examination.
• Spirometry Examination to assess lung function.
• Trial of blowing out using a balloon.
• Height assessment.
• Weight assessment.
• Any relevant use of clinical screening tools or questionnaires to assess probability of any incidental diagnoses i.e. suspected sleep apnoea.

What are examples of medical cases that you have dealt with that may grant a medical explanation for a failed attempted breathalyser test?

• Previous Lung Injury such as stab injuries to the chest or collapsed lung.
• An existing respiratory condition such as Long-COVID, asthma or COPD.
• Obstructive sleep apnoea.
• Heart Failure
• Head Concussion or Head Trauma.
• Cleft Palate or Ear, Nose & Throat Disorders.

Again the list above is not exhaustive and each case will be taken on its own merit.

N.B. We do not provide any medicolegal forensic reports based on alcohol back level calculations and interpretation.

What are your standard charges for this medical and how quickly can this report be done?

Our standard charge would be £500 for the completion of this report and we aim to provide rapid reports within 48 hours of the initial report.