World HealthOrganization
525Twenty-third Street, N.W.Washington, D.C. 20037, USAdisaster-publications@paho.org
Management of the dead is one of the most difficult aspects of disasterresponse. It has profound and long-lasting consequences for survivorsand communities. Globally, disasters claim thousands of lives each year.However, care of the deceased is often overlooked in disaster planningand the absence of guidance for first responders has recently been high-lighted following several large disasters.Immediately after a major disaster, identifying and disposing of humanremains are often done by local communities. Forensic specialists maynot be available or unable to rapidly access the affected area. There aresimple steps that first responders can take to ensure the dead are treat-ed in a dignified way and that can assist in their identification.This
Field Manual for First Responders
presents simple recommenda-tions for non-specialists to manage the recovery,basic identification,storage and disposal of dead bodies following disasters. It also makessuggestions about providing support to family members and communi-cating with the public and the media.This manual will be useful during the immediate response to a disasterand where forensic response is unavailable. Furthermore, it will be use-ful for those preparing mass fatality disaster plans. The recommenda-tions are relevant for local, regional and national authorities as well as fornon-governmental organizations.The principles outlined in this document are being implemented and pro-moted by a variety of organizations, including the Pan American HealthOrganization, the World Health Organization, the InternationalCommittee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of RedCross and Red Crescent Societies.This document can be viewed on Internet at:www.paho.org/disasters(click on Publications Catalog)
Management of Dead Bodiesafter Disasters:
AField Manual for First Responders
EditorsOliver Morgan—Honorary Research Fellow,London School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineMorris Tidball-BinzForensic Coordinator,Assistance Division, International Committee of the Red CrossDana van Alphen—Regional Advisor,Pan American Health Organization/World Health OrganizationWashington D.C., 2006
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2. COORDINATION for 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…
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