How long does it take for a line of lividity to set in?


Question:
When a person dies, there are certain characteristics that one can look for to help determine whether or not a person is dead. How long does it take for a line of lividity to set in? And is it normally before or after rigor mortis? I'm an EMT helping a student, and can't remember.

Answers:
My uncle passed away several years ago. About 5or6 family members were present. He died aroung the evening hours. The young male cna had been in to clean him and even dressed him in street clothing. Probably to comfort the family, to feel that he was o.k. To answer your question- He already was showing signs of dying. You could see where the blood was pooling from the lack of oxygen to the body parts where he had particular dark spots where he had not been moved. (not because of neglect, but because moving made him more uncomfortable) I could tell that he was dying, his feet were dark blue after I took his socks off. By my experience, I do believe that lividity may set in before or after death before rigor mortis sets in.
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