Management of dead bodies after disasters: a field manual for first responders

Dignified and proper management of the dead in disasters is fundamental to help the families know the fate of their relatives and mourn their dead. This manual is intended for use by those first on the scene following a disaster when no specialists are at hand. It provides basic guidance to manage the recovery, basic identification, storage and disposal of dead bodies following disasters, to ensure that no information is lost and that the dead are treated with respect.

This field manual is the first ever to provide step-by-step guidance on how to recover and identify victims killed in disasters while duly considering the needs and rights of survivors. The book also provides practical annexes, including a Dead Body Identification Form, a Missing Persons Form, and a chart of sequential numbers for unique referencing of bodies.

Foreword

Contributors

1. Introduction

2. Coordination .

3. Infectious Disease Risks

4. Body Recovery

5. Storage of Dead Bodies

6. Identification of Dead Bodies

7. Information Management

8. Long-Term Storage and Disposal of Dead Bodies

9. Communications and the Media

10. Support to Families and Relatives

11. Frequently Asked Questions

Annex 1: Dead Bodies Identification Form

Annex 2: Missing Persons Form

Annex 3: Sequential Numbers for Unique Referencing

Annex 4: Body Inventory Sheet

Annex 5: Supporting Publications

Annex 6: International Organizations Involved in the Development of this Document