[The medicolegal identification of victims of major disasters]

The medical identification of victims of major catastrophes is based upon a strict methodological approach at the actual site of the catastrophe when victims are found and in mortuaries. In the majority of cases, police identification can be pronounced. It is only in much more difficult cases where there are calcination or putrefaction processes that medicolegal identification is requested. This identification is based upon the results of medicolegal autopsy itself and on examination of the dental system which remains of capital importance. In the absence of data which can be used to compare the dental system of the victim with this of missing it is possible using single teeth to assess dental age and determine blood group, thereby providing the legal authorities with a group of additional arguments which can be used for presumptive identification.