19 March 2010
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While this document is based on practical experience gained from actual incidents, it is recognized that the guidelines may need to be adapted by member countries to conform to national or regional laws and regulations, or to religious or organizational practices. Disaster victim identification, normally the responsibility of the police, is a difficult and demanding exercise which can only be brought to a successful conclusion if properly planned and which, of necessity, has to involve the active participation of many other agencies. It is, however, only one aspect of dealing with disasters which will always vary considerably in scale and effect. Nevertheless, the identification procedures described in this guide can be used in all circumstances, irrespective of the number of victims involved. The ultimate aim of all disaster victim identification operations must invariably be to establish the identity of every victim by comparing and matching accurate ante-mortem (AM) and post-mortem (PM) data. Chapter 2 refers briefly to some of the general aspects of disaster handling in order to illustrate the way in which the many operations to be undertaken interact, and the need for co-ordination and interaction between them. Chapter 3 briefly explains identification methods and the reasons for involving several groups of specialists in an integrated operation. Chapter 4 describes the three major stages in victim identification, namely:
Chapter 5 refers to a series of elimination tables which can be used to facilitate a manual data-matching process. Each member country will have to decide whether or not to use this system or an alternative method such as a computer application.
The identification procedures described later in this Guide assume that post-disaster intervention will be organized; they are intended to serve as a sound basis upon which to develop disaster victim identification practices and standardize them in many respects. The advice may be of particular help to member countries which do not have permanent Disaster Victim Identification Commissions.
It is important that whenever a country introduces forms for its own internal use, the coding system of the internationally approved Interpol forms be strictly respected.
Each religious faith and ethnic culture has its own ethical considerations when dealing with the dead and dying. It is not possible to list the requirements and expectations of each individual denomination or persuasion in this Guide, but the importance of sensitivity and understanding when dealing with all victims should never be overlooked. Nevertheless, religious and cultural considerations, however important in their own right, cannot be allowed to compromise the legal processes to which local authorities and investigating agencies may be bound by law. When planning for disasters, member countries are advised to find out about the needs and wishes of the various faiths. It will then be possible to ascertain the type of assistance that may be available, both for investigators and for the families of victims, from the representatives of those faiths. Such prior understanding will undoubtedly help to avoid conflict between the official agencies and others involved in the aftermath. Member countries are also advised to try to establish multi-agency 'faith community teams' to be called upon for advice and support during times of crisis. Such teams have proved to be of great help in previous incidents and have provided valuable assistance to the injured, bereaved and distressed, as well as to official agencies. Faith community teams can assist by:
The greatest risk comes when confronting the abnormal, unfamiliar and sometimes
almost overwhelming circumstances inherent in disasters. Dealing with the deceased,
survivors and relatives contributes to the unusual and often unexpected pressures
on the individual required to respond. It is recommended that contingency plans
include provisions to counter the effects of stress on personnel. During the searching and identification stages a suitable diet can assist in reducing stress. There is a wide range of other helpful techniques such as regular breaks, personnel rotation, gentle exercises, etc., but clearly the choice of methods will depend on the circumstances and must be left to supervisors.
Requirements will vary, depending on the type of incident (air crash, earthquake, flooding, chemical release), the location (city centre, desert, mountainous area, at sea) the weather (snow, extreme temperatures, monsoon), on the type of personnel being or likely to be used (police, military, volunteers) and on the equipment already available to such personnel in the normal course of their duties. There are, however, some items which are always needed in certain contexts. A list is given below. The scene of the incident
The mortuary
Transport
Administration
Communications
Power supplies
Welfare
It will be appreciated that no list can be exhaustive, and any attempt to devise and publish a complete inventory of recommended equipment would not only be futile, but might lead to a false sense of security. However, many Interpol member countries have drawn up plans and acquired equipment which suits the perceived needs of their particular areas of operation. Their experience will be made available to other countries requesting information either directly or via the Interpol General Secretariat. Similarly, no definitive guidance can be given on the number of people likely to be required to respond to and deal with a disaster. Again, the type and location of the incident as well as numerous other criteria will need to be taken into account. One particular piece of advice can, however, be given. Those who have had to deal with disasters on whatever scale will always agree that it is very easy to underestimate the time, number of staff, and amount of equipment that will be required.
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