Mass Fatality Management in Mass Casualty Incidents

Abstract

Sudden mass causality incidents (SMCI) and disasters may be associated with a mass fatality incident (MFI) sometimes exceeding local capacity. A scheme to manage mass number of deceased needs to be integrated within the overall disaster plan of the city and region (Fig. 23.1). The overall responsibility for body or remains identification is usually of the medical examiner office or the governmental pathology services of the region. Nevertheless, coordination with the police, fire department, and national health services is of key strategic importance. Voluntary agencies may be involved with psychological support and pastoral care.