Disaster Mortuary Services

Disaster mortuary services encompass the entire spectrum of fatality management, from recovery of human remains to assisting families and loved ones who are affected by their loss. In the past decade, fatality management has become an increasingly important aspect of disaster management as the incidence of high-fatality disasters has increased and the expectation of severe pandemic influenza and terrorist attacks requires fatality management preparedness. Strong cultural norms surrounding disposition of human remains and mourning challenge the handling of contaminated remains and mass fatality events. Common misconceptions about risks associated with cadavers in natural disasters result in unnecessary use of mass graves and resulting trauma to surviving families and communities. Fatality management is one of the most neglected aspects of disaster management, yet the effects on ...