Management of the Deceased at Major Incidents
Lead responsibility: The deceased fall under police control in a forensic scene, with the coroner overseeing identification, cause and time of death, investigations, and release of bodies. Health services focus on the living and support multi-agency processes.
Diagnosing vs Certifying Death
- Diagnosis may be made initially (e.g., obvious incompatible injuries or by triage algorithm).
- Confirmation can be performed by a medical officer.
- Certification is by a doctor; where there is doubt (e.g., major trauma), the coroner certifies.
Mass Fatality Planning
- Plans must be sufficient, realistic, resilient and flexible, with close coordination—especially with police.
- Provide training and prepare staff for the psychological impact; assign appropriately experienced personnel.
At the Scene
- Deceased are part of the forensic environment; leave in situ unless they block access to the living.
- Handle with dignity; when directed, remove promptly to a body holding area then to a temporary mortuary (ideally within 24 hours).
- Maintain effective communication to support identification and family liaison.
Identification (DVI Principles)
- Primary identifiers: dental records, DNA, fingerprints.
- Secondary indicators: clothing, jewellery, personal effects (supporting evidence only).
- Visual recognition is unreliable and should not be used alone.
- Prioritise early identification to support relatives’ wellbeing and before decomposition progresses.
Transfers, Contamination & Records
- Pre-plan transport and temporary mortuary locations.
- Consider contamination risks (e.g., CBRN); manage accordingly.
- Use photography and meticulous record-keeping with cross-referencing from scene to mortuary.
- At the mortuary: controlled reception, complete documentation, and coordination with the coroner until release to families, respecting cultural and religious needs.
Community Considerations
- Recognise public mourning and ceremonial honours for the deceased, including responders.
Key Principles
- Only move the deceased when authorised or to reach the living.
- Pursue robust, early identification; keep families informed sensitively.
- Maintain dignity, forensic integrity and comprehensive documentation throughout.
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