Practical issues involved in setting up temporary mortuaries after mass disasters

Area of Science:

• Disaster management
• Forensic science
• Public health

Background:

• International collaboration is crucial for mass disaster victim identification (DVI) following events like the 2002 Bali bombings and the 2004 South Asia tsunami.
• Accurate and rapid identification of deceased individuals is essential for repatriation and family notification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the necessary steps for establishing temporary mortuaries in mass casualty incidents.
• To identify potential challenges in setting up and operating temporary mortuaries.
• To propose solutions for effective disaster victim identification processes.

Main Methods:

• The article describes the logistical and operational requirements for setting up temporary mortuary facilities.
• It emphasizes the importance of systematic processing, documentation, and quality control.
• Recommendations for addressing common problems are provided.

Main Results:

• Effective temporary mortuaries are vital for systematic processing of victims.
• Proper documentation and quality control ensure accurate identification and auditable processes.
• Proactive planning and problem-solving are key to successful DVI operations.

Conclusions:

• Establishing functional temporary mortuaries is a critical component of mass disaster victim identification.
• Addressing logistical and operational challenges proactively enhances the efficiency and accuracy of DVI.
• Effective mortuary operations facilitate timely repatriation and support affected families.