Management of Dead Bodies after Disasters: A Field Manual for First Responders. 2nd edition (revised)
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This manual has two aims: first, to promote the proper and dignified management of dead bodies and, second, to facilitate their identification. Following many disasters, and certainly larger ones, the retrieval and immediate management of dead bodies is done by local authorities, organizations and communities, residents and volunteers. This is because forensic experts may not arrive for some days, or even longer; and in some contexts, there are no forensic experts at all. Consequently, this manual focuses on practical recommendations for those who are on the spot or are able to respond in the immediate aftermath of a disaster – i.e. first responders. The second edition of this publication reflects scientific and technical developments in the field of mass fatality management, and lessons learned from the use of the manual. When a major disaster strikes, the first people on the scene are often local organizations, residents and volunteers. They are often faced with the retrieval and immediate management of dead bodies before forensic experts can arrive. "Management of dead bodies after disasters: a field manual for first responders" provides practical, easy-to-follow guidelines to ensure proper and dignified management of dead bodies after disasters. If first responders know how to take the proper steps in dealing with dead bodies, they can help future work by forensic specialists and investigators in identifying human remains and clarifying the fate of missing persons. The first edition of this publication is available in Spanish and French: |