Foreword
Introduction
Acknowledgement
Chapter 1. Preparedness for mass deaths
Introduction
Coordinating institutions
Duties
Preparation of the plan
Technical programs
Body identification
Epidemiologic surveillance and disease control
Training
Simulations
Relations with the community
Relations with the media
Questions commonly asked after a disaster
Guidelines for the official spokesperson
Proactive approach to media relations for the official spokesperson
Conclusions
Bibliography
Chapter 2. Medicolegal work in major disasters
Introduction
Organization of necessary personnel
Organization and preparation of the team
Formation of the group and the warning plan
Risk and vulnerability studies
Technical preparation of the team
Cooperation agreements
Exercises and simulations
Material needs
Transport
Communications
Protective clothing and equipment
Instruments and equipment
Body preservation measures
Temporary work cams or sites
Water and food
Medical care
Participants
Disaster professionals
Other participants in disaster response
Operations coordination
Search for information
The place, the event, and the hazards
Presumed victims
Removal of dead bodies
Procedures at the disaster site
Transfer of human remains
Holding and examination site
Holding area
Viewing area
Examination area
Methods for identifying human remains
Identification using visual recognition
Identification using anthropological studies
Other methods of identification
DNA identification
Historic background
DNA identification process
Accepting cases, managing evidence, and maintaining chain of custody in DNA typing
Final disposal of corpses
Low temperatures
Chemical processes
Embalming
Burial
Bibliography
Special bibliography on DNA
Chapter 3. Health considerations in cases of mass fatalities
Introduction
Myths
Epidemiological risk of dead bodies in areas with endemic diseases
Scientific basis of the absence of epidemiological risk in non-endemic areas
Animal corpses
Conclusions
Bibliography
Chapter 4. Sociocultural aspects
Introduction
The funeral rite
Changes in funeral rites through history
Influence of culture, religion, and history on funeral
The symbolic value of the corpse and burial
Mourning and rituals in disaster situations
Unresolved grief
Arguments for the rapid disposal of corpses
Disaster management experiences
Conclusions
Bibliography
Chapter 5. Psychological aspects
Introduction
Specific vulnerabilities
Grief
The process of unresolved grief
Psychiatric disorders among survivors
Notification of disappearance or death, and visual recognition of corpses
Psychosocial care for survivors
Psychosocial care for first response teams
The importance of truthful, appropriate, and timely information
Role of the authorities
Conclusions
Bibliography
Chapter 6. Legal aspects
Introduction
General regulations on managing corpses
Unidentified bodies
Missing persons
Identification of numerous corpses
Consequences of failure to identify corpses
Provisions of national law
Provisions of international law
Conclusions
Model law for management of dead bodies in disaster situations
Bibliography
Chapter 7. Case studies
The Peruvian experience in managing dead bodies in disaster situations: The Mesa Redonda fire, 2001
Introduction
Actions of the Public Prosecutor’s Office
Actions of the Legal Medicine Institute of Peru
Activities of the Public Ministry
Public Ministry staff involved
Achievements
Problems
Repercussions of the event
Conclusions and recommendations
Management of dead bodies following the avalanche of the Casitas volcano in Nicaragua: Chronicle of a disaster within a disaster
Summary
Introduction
Materials and methods
Results
The scene of the disaster
Institutional response
Management of dead bodies
Discussion
Bibliography
Final recommendations
Myths and realities of management of dead bodies in disasters
Glossary
