Evolution of disaster victim identification (DVI/DVM): An overview of management and pitfalls

Abstract

Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) refers to the process of identifying bodies following mass disasters. Given the complexities of such exercises and the great variation in situations and numbers of victims it is difficult to provide a template that can be used for each occasion. In this chapter the authors discuss a wide range of issues that need to be dealt with during DVI exercises, from the initial setting up of mortuaries to the final repatriation of decedents. Lack of on-site resources and the sometime isolated locations provide challenges for the large number of individuals who may be involved, often with different nationalities, languages, religious beliefs and experience. The expanding role of individual disciplines including dentistry, biology, pathology and anthropology is described, as well as the refining and integration of services, the formulation and implementation of international protocols and the overview of processes to ensure that they are fulfilling their role appropriately. This chapter will cover the evolution of simple victim identification into the complex integrated multidisciplinary approach that is now seen in so many of these events, which should now be more accurately referred to as disaster victim management (DVM).