Blood from a line – Is it admissible?

Abstract 

The Police Reform Act 2002 enables blood to be lawfully taken from any driver who has been involved in a road traffic accident, who lacks the capacity to consent as a result of a medical problem or injury, and who may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Consent at the time is not required but must be obtained at a later date. Experience of forensic physicians suggest obtaining blood directly from a vein, as the Act requires, can sometimes be technically difficult in an intensive care setting.

The case described discusses one such scenario and puts forward the reasons as to why blood from a line should be accepted as evidence.

Keywords: Police Reform Act, Blood alcohol, Blood from a line, Capacity