What is the term used for a death that occurs without medical assistance having been provided?

The term "unattended" refers specifically to a death that occurs without any medical assistance having been provided at the time of death. This classification is significant within the context of law enforcement and medical investigations, as unattended deaths may require further inquiry to determine the cause of death, especially when they are unexpected or appear to involve suspicious circumstances.

Understanding that "unattended" deaths are often those where individuals were not under the direct care of medical personnel at the time they died helps law enforcement officials take the necessary steps to investigate and process the scene correctly. Investigators may need to assess the conditions surrounding the death, gather forensic evidence, and, if necessary, determine if there was foul play involved.

The other terms do not fit the scenario as well as "unattended." For example, an "attended" death implies that a medical professional or caregiver was present to provide assistance, while "undetermined" refers to cases where the cause of death cannot be established clearly, and "suspicious" describes deaths that raise doubts or concerns about foul play but do not specifically indicate the absence of medical assistance.