appendix iv: morgue services tab a: morgue services organization

Transcription

EOP / INCIDENT ANNEX J / APPENDIX IV
MORGUE SERVICES ORGANIZATION
APPENDIX IV: MORGUE SERVICES
TAB A: MORGUE SERVICES ORGANIZATION
IV-1
TAB B: STAFFING TABLE
Small
Incident Command: Morgue
Safety Officer
Administration / Finance
Section Chief
Logistics Section Chief
Operations Section Chief
Morgue Operations Group
Morgue Operations
Group Supervisor
Medium
Large
Large
Catastrophic
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
1
5-8
1
2
2
1
4-5
1
10-12
1
3
3
DMORT
DMORT
DMORT
DMORT
DMORT
DMORT
DMORT
DMORT
DMORT
DMORT
DMORT
DMORT
DMORT
DMORT
1
1
DMORT
DMORT
DMORT
DMORT
DMORT
DMORT
7
DMORT
DMORT
DMORT
DMORT
Morgue Operations
0
Group Deputy Supervisor
Morgue Autopsy Unit
Morgue Autopsy Unit
1
Lead
Intake Team Lead
1
Intake Staff
1
Escort Team Lead
1
Escort Staff
4
Triage Team Lead
1
Triage Pathologist
1
Triage Autopsy Techs
1
Pathology / Autopsy
1
Team Lead
Pathologists
1-2
Autopsy Techs
1-2
Anthropology Team Lead
1
Anthropology Staff
0
Morgue Sub Total:
20-22
Morgue Data Collection Unit
Morgue Data Collection
1
Unit Lead
Photography Team Lead
1
Photography Staff
0
Radiology Team Lead
1
Radiology Staff
1
Dental Team Lead
1
Dental Staff
1
2-3
2-3
1
1
28-33
3-4
3-4
1
3-5
41-48
1
1
7
1
1
1
1-3
1
2
1
2
1
1-3
1
2
1
2
DMORT
DMORT
DMORT
DMORT
DMORT
DMORT
DMORT
DMORT
DMORT
DMORT
DMORT
DMORT
DNA Team Lead
1
1
1
DMORT
DMORT
DNA Staff
1
1-2
2-4
DMORT
DMORT
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Small
Large
Catastrophic
Fingerprint Team Lead
1
1
1
Fingerprint Staff
1-3
3-5
5-8
Morgue Sub Total:
10-12
15-20
18-25
Morgue Information Processing and Disposition Group
Morgue Information
Processing and
1
1
1
Disposition Group
Supervisor
Morgue Information
Processing and
0
0
1
Disposition Group Deputy
Supervisor
Evidence / Property
1
1
1
Team Lead
DMORT
DMORT
1
DMORT
DMORT
1
1
1
1
1
DMORT
DMORT
Evidence / Property Staff
1
2-3
3-5
DMORT
DMORT
Identification Unit Lead
1
1
1
1
1
2-4
5-10
10-20
10-20
20+
1
1
1
1
1
0
1-2
2-5
2-5
5+
1
1
1
1
1
8-10
13-20
21-36
17-29
30+
Postmortem Staff /
Antemortem /
Comparison Staff
Death Certificate Unit
Lead
Death Certificate Issuing
Staff
Information Systems Unit
Lead
Medium
Large
Information Systems Staff
Morgue Sub Total:
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TAB C: FLOW CHARTS
HANDLING HUMAN REMAINS FLOW CHART
Hospital Death
Identified and Natural Death
Yes
Coroner Case
No
Death Certificate Signed
Yes
Autopsy
No
ID OBTAINED
Yes
Temporary Cold Storage
NOK
Yes
MORTUARY
PICK UP CASE
No
DNA
No
TEMPORARY
COLD STORAGE
COUNTY
MORGUE
PICK UP CASE
FINAL DISPOSITION
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MASS FATALITY – CORONER’S OFFICE FACILITY FLOW CHART
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THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY BLANK
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TAB D: MORGUE SERVICES CENTER & SUPPLY CHECKLIST
This material applies in part to both the Temporary Morgue and the
Morgue/Examination Center. The DMORT web site (www.DMORT.org) contains
suggestions for equipment and supplies.
1) Equipment: Early considerations
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)
Site selection based on the findings of the Evaluation Team
Security/ID badges; different colors reference function and access.
Unique numbering system separate from your usual case numeric system.
Refrigerated trucks with ramps to allow access and egress 4
Communications - telephones, radios, fax, PA (paging systems); local cell
operators may designate a specific reserved air wave.
Computers – programs and operators – all electronic files (including WIN ID,
supplies, tracking, etc.) should be backed up daily.
Records
i) Personnel log including name, agency, SSN & in and out time.
ii) Morgue/Examination Center Registrar
iii) Antemortem and postmortem formats and forms
iv) Entry operators/Data analysts
Disaster Victim Packet – should contain all forms and paperwork necessary for
every examination station
Station Processing Plan – flexible to fit the situation
Worker Safety and Comfort Supplies
i)
Healthcare provisions in place.
ii) Immunization records
iii) Rest areas including toilet facilities
iv) Nutrition needs
v) Critical Incident Stress Debriefing
2) Station System and Personnel (suggested procedure – local adaptation will be
necessary)
a) Registration in Body Receiving Area
i)
Receipt of DMORT Transportation Log or like document completed at the
Temporary Morgue
ii) Log in documentation from Temporary Morgue: date, time, and numbering
(from the scene)
iii) Assignment of permanent body tracker
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iv)
Transfer of chart and all required documentation (Disaster Victim Packet) to
the individual tracker.
b) Screening Station: Personal effects and clothing documentation/anatomic
charting/further evidence collection. This is the point at which a decision can be
made for a specimen (body part, fragmentary 5 remains, and partial body) to take
a long path through all subsequent stations or a shorter path with an examination
at the morphology station and DNA only retrieved. Criteria for long or short path
need to be established before the disaster.
i)
Coroner’s officer
ii) Coroner’s officer assistant
iii) Scribe
iv) Photographer and assistant
v) Personal Effects Technician
vi) Evidence Technician
vii) Anthropology consultant
viii) Bomb Tech or other specialist as indicated
ix) Complete necessary forms and return to tracker N.B.: Paperwork generated
at this station (Disaster Victim Packet) must be placed in the case file to go
with the tracker and body to the next station. This procedure is repeated at
every station.
x) Option of DNA or other convenient specimen procurement (requires lab tech
for transmission)
c) Print Station (finger, palm, foot)
i)
Print Specialist – Local Law Enforcement, FBI Disaster Squad
ii) Print all bodies
iii) Complete proper documentary form
iv) Fingers or hands removed only at the discretion of the Chief Coroner. If
removed – place in a properly identified container and place them back with
the body after processing.
d) Radiology/X-ray Station
i)
Radiologist
ii) X-ray technician/assistant
iii) Portable x-ray units, film and developers
iv) Full body x-rays are mandatory
v) Dental x-rays may be a part of this operation or are often a part of the
Dental Station operation as 6 dictated the Chief Odontologist. A bomb
technician or other specialist as indicated may be needed here.
vi) Log all films
(1) Morgue ID #
(2) Date/time
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(3) Radiograph #
(4) # of films taken
(5) Initials or signature of technician
e) Dental Station
i)
Odontologist
ii) Dental assistant
iii) Photographer
iv) Evidence technician
v) Scribe
vi) X-rays – if not previously performed
vii) Charting – The universal numbering system, 1-32 with the upper right 3rd
molar as #1, upper central incisors as #8 & #9, upper let 3rd molar as #16,
lower leg 3rd molar as #17 and lower right 3rd molar as #32 is usually
preferred. There is also a FDI numbering system available.
viii) Immediately enter data into WIN ID II (2002)
ix) Jaws are only removed on non-viewable bodies (the funeral director is an
excellent consultant) at the discretion of the Coroner at the request of the
Chief Odontologist. If removed – place in a properly identified container and
place them back with the body after processing. Many medical examiners
feel that jaw removal is antiquated and unnecessary with modern dental
technology.
f) Autopsy Station
i)
The decision to do complete or partial autopsies resides with the /Coroner
authority locally responsible for body processing and death certification.
Some reasons for complete autopsies:
(1) Homicides – terrorism
(2) Indeterminate manner of death
(3) Flight crews – the same pathologist should do all members
(4) Unidentified remains
(5) Federal request
(6) Coroner request
ii) Forensic pathologist
iii) Autopsy assistant
iv) Evidence technician
v) Bomb tech or other specialist as indicated
vi) Scribe
vii) Photographer
viii) Lab technician
ix) DNA (4 mL blood in a purple top tube; 5 – 10 gm skeletal muscle, spleen,
liver, bone, and/or teeth), toxicology and other specimen procurement.
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Some may have already be obtained at the initial screening station in some
operations – requires lab tech for proper documentation and transmission.
x) Evidence collection continues
xi) Completion of form designating preliminary autopsy findings Victim
Identification Profile (VIP)/DMORT Program, Pathology examination of
partial or complete remains)
xii) Documentary forms to the tracker
xiii) Histology specimens to the lab tech
xiv) Toxicology specimens to lab tech for transmission
g) Anthropology/Morphology Station
i)
Personnel needed:
(1) Anthropologist
(2) Anthropology assistant
(3) Scribe
(4) Evidence Technician
(5) Photographer
(6) Radiographer
(7) Forensic pathologist
ii) Fragmented, incomplete, charred, commingled remains
iii) Documentation to the tracker with the remains
iv) If a bone section or the like is retained, place in a properly identified
container and place it back with the body after processing. If it is a specimen
for DNA, for example, it is to be properly documented and transmitted to a
laboratory technician.
h) Body Storage
i)
Individual tracker returns the body to the receiving area.
ii) The body or part, with the direction of the receiving registrar is transferred to
the appropriate secure designated “processed” refrigerated area and
documented. The refrigerated area must be fully staffed with receivers and
security.
iii) The Examination Center Registrar receives the Victim Disaster Packet from
the tracker and assures proper transfer to the Records Management Team.
iv) Special storage sites should be designated for specimens such as DNA &
Toxicology.
i) Records Management Team
i)
Personnel needed:
(1) Supervisor/Registrar
(2) Computer entry clerks
(3) Data clerks
(4) File clerks
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(5) Security
(6) Communication clerks – telephone, e-mail and fax (one member made an
entry here – I was unable to read) from other sites (scene, family
assistance center, command post)
ii) Establish tracking procedures for files
iii) Establish back-up protocols for computer files
MORGUE SUPPLY LIST
1) Supplies needed for all groups:
a) Protective clothing - gloves, scrubs, aprons, shoes, shoe covers, masks,
coveralls, headwear, respirators
b) Log book / forms
2) Necessary office supplies:
a) Prepare processing packets (pre-numbered with labels on each form, extra
labels in folder) with basic forms and/or additional forms as required by Coroner
available at each station.
b) Start with only 20 folders to allow for changes discovered as processing begins.
c) Two-way communications equipment
d) Computer
e) Photocopier/printer
f) Barcode label maker
g) Supply of necessary forms for all Teams of the morgue
h) Log books
3) Intake Team
a) 2 tables
b) 4 chairs
4) Radiology / X-Ray
a) 1 table
b) 2 chairs
c) X-Ray Imager
d) Digital x-ray computer system or leased equipment on-site
5) Registration
a) 2 tables
b) 4 chairs
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6) Records Management
a) 2 tables
b) 4 chairs
7) Anthropology / Morphology Station
a) 2 tables
b) 4 chairs
8) Pathology
a) 2 tables
b) 4 chairs
c) Pathology Instrument Kit
d) Portable autopsy tables
e) Lighting
9) Anthropology
a) 2 tables
b) 4 chairs
c) Anthropology Kit:
10) Print Station
a) 2 tables
b) 4 chairs
c) Fingerprint Post Mortem Kit
11) DNA / Autopsy Station
a) 2 tables
b) 4 chairs
c) DNA Instrument Kit
d) Autopsy Table / Kit
12) Dental Station
a) 2 tables
b) 4 chairs
c) DEXIS digital dental x-ray system
d) Hand held dental X-Ray unit
e) WinID dental laptop computer and printer
f) Odontology Post Mortem Instrument Kit
g) Digital Camera.
IV-12
13) Photography
a) 1 table
b) 2 chairs
c) 2 ladders
d) Digital camera.
e) Computer (shared with Personal Effect Team)
f) Photocopier/printer (shared with Personal Effect Team)
14) Screening Station
a) 1 table
b) 2 chairs
c) Bags and sealing supplies
d) Cleaning supplies
15) Body Storage / Remains Holding Trailers
a) Heavy gloves
b) Flashlight
c) Jackets for refrigerated areas
d) Body gurneys for ground personnel
e) Refrigerated trailers (no wooden floors for cleaning ability)
f) Padlocks for trailers
g) Deodorizing agents
IV-13
TAB E: BODY BAG RESOURCES
LOCAL BODY BAG RESOURCES
LOCAL BODY BAG RESOURCES
Source
Number
Average
Daily Supply
SCMPD Forensics Unit
Bynes-Royall Funeral Home
Fairhaven Funeral Home
Fountain Funeral Home
Fox & Weeks Funeral Home
Gamble Funeral Services
Jones Sidney & Campbell Funeral Services
Michael & Brown Funeral Home
Smart & Sons Funeral Home
Adams Funeral Home
Thomas C. Strickland Funeral Home
Williams & Williams Funeral Home
912-652-6627
912-233-2175
912-964-2862
912-964-4336
912-352-7200
912-354-1616
912-234-7226
912-233-2133
912-236-0307
912-354-6260
912-748-2444
912-234-1634
50
5
10
See next page for more information….
IV-14
12
10
5
15
107
IV-15
TAB F: BIOLOGICAL CONTAMINATION SAFETY AND HANDLING
Bio Agent
Anthrax
Botulinum
Toxin
Plague
Tularemia
General Handling
Autopsy
Burial
Cremation
 Standard precautions
 Additional respiratory
personal protective
equipment (PPE) when
performing activities that
generate aerosois
 Wear additional
respiratory PPE
 Bio-Safety Level (BSL) 3
practices when performing
activities with high
potential for aerosois
 Regulated by 42 Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR)
 Contact with corpses should
be limited to personnel
wearing PPE
 Package in leak-proof
containers
 Avoid embalming
 Buy without reopening
 Recommended
 Additional respiratory PPE
when performing activities
that generate aerosois
 Wear additional
respiratory PPE
 BSL 3 practices when
performing activities with
high potential for aerosois
 Regulated by 42 CFR
 Recommend no embalming
 No restrictions
 Wear additional
respiratory PPE
 BSL 3 practices required
with high potential for
droplet or aerosois or
working with antibiotic
resistant strains
wearing PPE
 No restrictions
 Wear additional
respiratory PPE
 BSL 3 practices when
performing activities with
high potential for aerosois
wearing PPE
 No restrictions
 Wear additional
respiratory PPE
 BSL 4
 Negative pressure rooms
 Autopsies should be
performed only if
absolutely indicated
 Minimize handling by all
personnel, even in PPE
containers
 Avoid embalming
 Bury without reopening
 Recommended
 Personnel should be under a
fever watch or vaccinated
 Wear additional
respiratory PPE
 BSL 3
 Autopsies should be
performed only if
absolutely indicated
 Personnel should be
vaccinated
 Minimize handling by all
personnel, even in PPE
containers
 Avoid embalming
 Bury without reopening
 Recommended
Viral
Hemorrhagic
Fever
Smallpox
Chart information compiled from the following sources:
 Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP). 26 November 2002. "Bioterrorism Preparedness, Planning and Response."
Bioterrorism/Planning, 1-18. Federal Initiatives: Local and State Planning; Hospital Preparedness; Protection of Building Environments, Etc.
18 June 2003 http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/
 "Coroners, Coroners, and Biologic Terrorism: A Guidebook for Surveillance and Case Management."
MMWR 2004 Jun 11:53 (RR08):1-36
IV-16
TAB G: DISEASE / CONDITION REPORTING / NOTIFICATION
IV-17
IV-18
IV-19
TAB H: METHODS OF IDENTIFICATION
The Coroner may use many different means to secure positive identification of human
remains. In the best of circumstances this may take time; in the case of a mass fatality
event it is possible that it will take weeks or even months to identify some victims. The
below is a listing of the different methods used.
1) DNA
a) Can often (although not always) be obtained from only partial remains testing is
time and cost prohibitive, and often a method of last resort esults of comparing
unidentified remains to the DNA of suspected family members are often not
statistically strong enough to provide a positive identification
b) Best opportunity for positive identification by DNA is to compare the DNA of
unidentified remains to the DNA of the missing person.
c) Heat destroys DNA, so if there is fire involved the remains may not yield a useful
specimen.
d) Critical to preserve and secure any source of missing person DNA:
i) Hairbrush
ii) tooth brush
iii) razor
iv) underwear
v) blood tests
vi) Pap smear
vii) blood donation
e) If missing person’s DNA is not available, family members may be asked to
provide a family reference sample:
i) Person contributing the reference sample must be biologically related to
decedent; preferably through the mother.
ii) Test consists of a non-invasive cheek swab.
iii) Profile from swab will be used for identification purposes only.
2) Fingerprints
a) Only useful if missing person was printed while alive and fingerprints can be
obtained from the unidentified body
b) If missing person was not officially printed while alive, retain any object belonging
to the missing person that might contain fingerprints
3) Dental x-rays
IV-20
a) A fast and reliable method of positive identification provided the recovered
remains include dentition
b) If x-rays are not available, provide information regarding any records from the
dentist:
i) dental casts
ii) charting
iii) photographs
4) Body x-rays
a)
b)
c)
d)
Positive identification is possible by comparing x-rays of ANY PART of the body.
Includes a CAT scan (often taken in cases of suspected head injury).
Hospitals and physicians usually only retain hard copy x-rays seven years.
More modern technology uses digital x-rays, which may be available longer if not
indefinitely.
5) Other useful information
a) Photos: A photo of the missing person smiling allows comparison of the front
teeth and a straight-on photo of the head allows superimposition with a skull.
b) Scars, marks, tattoos: Provide a description and picture if possible of any unique
body markings. If the missing person is female, has she had any children? If the
missing person is male, is he circumcised?
c) Missing organs/appendages: Report any removed organs (appendectomy,
hysterectomy) or missing fingers/toes.
IV-21
TAB I: DECEDENT VIEWING GUIDELINES
Viewing Guidelines
During day-to-day operations the Coroner’s Office does not usually allow for viewings of
the decedents in its care. Viewing is not standard procedure and is only done at the
discretion of the Chief Coroner, who in the past has made exceptions to accommodate
religious and cultural considerations. During a mass fatality event, there may be
circumstances when the Coroner determines that allowing viewings at the morgue
would be beneficial to the community. When such a decision is made viewings will only
be conducted when remains have been identified; they will not be conducted for the
purpose of identification. In all cases the preferred method of viewing is via secured
CCTV at the Family Assistance Center (FAC).
1) Process:
a) Via the FAC, loved ones are notified that their family member has been identified
and is in a condition that would allow for a viewing.
b) Loved ones work with the Viewing coordinator at the FAC to schedule a time to
view their loved one. The time is arranged in concert with Coroner’s Office to
ensure that morgue staff can make the decedent available at the scheduled time.
c) Considerations are made for doing viewing via CCTV at the FAC.
d) At the appointment time, family members are brought to the viewing area via a
separate, secure entrance, and greeted by behavioral health specialists.
e) A staff member from the Coroner’s Office will explain how the office was able to
identify the decedent and what the family members should expect when they
view their loved one before bringing the decedent into view.
2) There are multiple options for viewings: viewings taking place in person, and
viewings conducted via closed circuit television, as well as viewings at the Coroner’s
location and viewings taking place at an off-site morgue. Each scenario will require
extensive logistical planning at the time of the event, keeping the following
requirements in mind:
a)
b)
c)
d)
Entrance reserved for family members, secured and shielded from the media.
Private viewing area with chairs and tissues.
EMS or other medical professional and behavioral health specialist.
Automated External Defibrillator (AED), first aid kit and other medical supplies
needed to treat those overcome.
e) Viewing location must be separate from remains storage.
IV-22
f) Additional staffing may be required to provide security for the family members
and for the transported remains.
g) If viewing is conducted in person, solid partition between viewing area and
decedent
h) If viewing is conducted remotely, television with secured closed circuit reception
capability.
3) Viewing Checklist
a) Pre-Viewing Discussions
i)
Confirm with Coroner that viewings will take place.
ii) Alert FAC that Viewing Coordinator position must be activated and calendar
created.
iii) Determine hours for viewings in concert with FAC command.
iv) Prepare and continue to update list of decedents who can be made
available for viewing.
v) Contact FAC behavioral health specialists to secure presence during
viewings.
vi) Contact EMS to secure presence during viewings.
vii) Determine where viewings will take place and set up per specifications
listed below
b) Body Transport
i)
Determine how bodies will be transported to and from viewing facility (if not
viewed via CCTV).
ii) Determine whether bodies will be released from the viewing location (if not
viewed via CCTV).
iii) Set up temporary storage at viewing facility.
4) Pre-Viewing Site Set-Up: The preference for viewings is that they take place via
CCTV at the FAC. If that is not an option, the secondary preference is for a CCTV
viewing at another facility. The least desirable option is an in-person viewing at an
off-site morgue.
a) If viewings taking place via closed circuit TV at alternate location (e.g. FAC):
i)
Secure separate room for viewing.
ii) Secure entrance for family members.
iii) Work with logistics staff and site electricians to set up TV with closed circuit
viewing capability.
iv) Prepare viewing room, including chairs and tissues, AED, first aid kit and
medical supplies.
IV-23
v)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Make certain that EMS / medical professional and behavioral health
specialists are available for quick response.
If viewings taking place in person:
i)
Secure entrance for family members.
ii) Prepare viewing room, including chairs and tissues, AED, first aid kit and
medical supplies.
iii) Make certain that EMS / medical professional and behavioral health
If viewings taking place in-person at off-site morgue:
i) Secure separate room for viewing.
ii) If room unavailable, work with logistics section to secure solid partitions and
Plexiglas to create separate viewing area.
iii) Secure entrance for family members.
iv) Prepare viewing room, including chairs and tissues, AED, first aid kit and
medical supplies.
v) Make certain that EMS / medical professional and behavioral health
Pre-Viewing Tasks
i)
Prepare decedent for viewing.
ii) Schedule appointment with FAC Viewing Coordinator.
iii) Ensure appointment time will work with person who prepared the decedent
to ensure continuity of care.
iv) Organize transportation for family if necessary.
Viewing Tasks
i)
Escort family to viewing location.
ii) Explain what has taken place so far in terms of determining cause and
manner of death and identification of the decedent.
iii) Prepare the family for what they are about to see.
iv) Bring decedent into view.
v) Ensure that behavioral health specialist and EMS / medical professional are
present and available to provide assistance to family members.
vi) Answer questions that arise.
IV-24
TAB J: HUMAN REMAINS STORAGE FACTS (TEMP FAQs)
1) The following are recommendations for the temporary storage of human remains:
a) Refrigeration: Refrigeration of human remains between 38° and 42° Fahrenheit
(4° to 8° C) is the best option. This can be accomplished with the use of:
i) Refrigerated transport containers/trucks: Large transport containers used by
commercial shipping companies generally hold 25-30 bodies (laying flat on
the floor with a walkway between). To increase storage capacity three-fold,
lightweight temporary racking systems can be employed. Shelves should be
set-up in such a way that allows for safe movement and removal of bodies
(i.e., storage of bodies above the waist height is not recommended). When
food, beverage and other consumer types of commercial vehicles are used,
they will generally not be returned to their prior service function. The local
jurisdiction will be ultimately responsible for replacing these vehicles. To
reduce any liability for business losses, jurisdictions should avoid using trucks
with markings of a supermarket chain or other companies, as the use of such
trucks for storage of fatalities may result in negative implications for business.
Using local businesses for the storage of human remains is not
recommended and should only be considered as a last resort. Refrigeration
units should be maintained at low humidity because mold can become
problematic if there is too much moisture present. Storing human remains at
38° and 42° Fahrenheit will slow down, but not stop decomposition. Remains
can be preserved at this temperature for 1-3 months. The primary downside
to this type of storage facility is that a sufficient quantity of refrigerated
trucks/containers is seldom available during mass fatality incidents.
ii) Dry ice: Dry ice (carbon dioxide (CO2) frozen at –78.5° Celsius) can be used
for short-term storage. Approximately 22 lbs of dry ice will be needed daily
for each individual set of remains. The dry ice should be applied by building a
low wall with it around groups of about 20 remains and then covering with a
plastic sheet. To prevent damaging the corpse, the ice should never be
placed on top of remains, even when wrapped. The down side to using dry
ice is that it requires handling with gloves to avoid “cold burns.” Additionally,
it must be used in an area with good ventilation as it emits carbon dioxide as
it melts. Further, this product is costly and often difficult to obtain during an
emergency.
IV-25
2) The following storage options are less optimal than refrigeration or the use of dry ice:
a) Embalming: This frequently used technique provides transitory preservation
meant to maintain the body in an acceptable state for up 72 hours post-mortem.
The downside to embalming is that it requires considerable time and expense
which is not practical during a mass fatality event. Additionally, a licensed
professional is required to embalm. Also, this process is not possible is the
integrity of a corpse is compromised.
b) Chemical Preservation: Chemicals can be used to pack a decedent for a short
period of time. Powdered formaldehyde and powdered calcium hydroxide may
be useful for preserving fragmented remains. After these substances are
applied, the body or fragments should be wrapped in several nylon or plastic
bags and sealed completely. The downside to this technique is that these
chemicals have strong odors and can be irritating to workers.
c) Temporary Interment: This method enables immediate storage when no other
method is possible. This is not a true form of preservation and should primarily
be considered when a great delay in final disposition is anticipated. Because the
temperature underground is lower than surface temperature, a natural form of
refrigeration occurs. To ensure future recovery of bodies, the following should be
adhered to:
i) Each body should be labeled with a metal or plastic identification tag.
ii) Bodies should also be clearly marked at ground level.
iii) Bodies should be placed in a single layer (not stacked).
iv) Burial should be 5 feet deep and 1 foot should be left between bodies.
v) Bodies should be at least 600 feet from drinking water sources.
vi) In extreme situations, trench burial can be used for larger numbers.
3) The following human remains temporary storage options are NOT recommended:
a) Stacking: Placing bodies on top of one another is not only disrespectful to the
decedents and their families, but it can also distort the faces of the victims, which
can impede visual identification. Additionally, it is difficult to manage stacked
decedents and challenging to read the identification tags.
b) Freezing: For several reasons, this is a poor option. To begin with freezing
causes tissues to dehydrate which changes their color. This can make visual
recognition by family members challenging and can also have a negative impact
on the interpretation of injuries. When bodies are rapidly frozen, post-mortem
injuries, including cranial fracture can occur. Additionally, the process of freezing
and thawing will accelerate decomposition of the remains.
IV-26
c) Packing in Ice: This is not recommended as large quantities of ice are necessary
to preserve a body even for a short period of time. Not only is ice heavy and
difficult to manage, it is often used for emergency medical units during a major
emergency. Further, the use of large quantities of ice results in large amounts of
run-off water.
d) Ice-Rinks: While ice skating rinks may sound like the perfect solution, they are
not recommended. A body placed on ice is only partially frozen. It eventually will
stick to the ice making movement of the decedent difficult. Management and
movement of decedents on solid ground is challenging in good circumstances.
Workers having to negotiate ice walkways would pose an unacceptable safely
risk.
4) Potential Sources of refrigerated trucks/containers, and in {insert county name}
County includes:
a) Dry ice
b) Refrigerated trucks, trailers and cold boxes (temporary & portable units)
Sources:
Baldwin, Hayden B. The Recovery of Human Remains: A Crime Scene Perspective
http://www.feinc.net/cs-recov.htm
Department of Coroner, Department of Health Services EMSA, Department of Public Health, Los Angeles
County: Mass Fatality Incident Management: Guidance for Hospitals and Other Healthcare Entities
August 2008
Devlin, S. (Fairfax Co, Police), Gavin, C, (Battelle- US Army ECBC-MIRP), Lyle, B (Orange County, CA
Sheriff-Coroner), McGovern, J LTC (US Army North): White Paper- Morgue Operations, Identification,
and Command and Control of Mass Fatalities resulting from a Pandemic Influenza Event in the United
States. http://www.ofdamrt.org/panflu/whitepapers/MorgueOperationsWhitePaper.pdf
Interpol: Disaster Victim Identification Guide.
http://www.interpol.int/Public/DisasterVictim/Guide.asp?HM=1
National Association of Coroners: Mass Fatality Plan. 1997
http://www.dmort.org/FilesforDownload/NAMEMFIplan.pdf November 2007
Santa Clara County Public Health Department’s Advanced Practice: Managing Mass Fatalities: A Toolkit
for Planning May 2008
http://www.sccgov.org/.../agencychp?...%2Fv7%2FPublic%20Health%20Department%20(DEP)%2F
IV-27
HUMAN REMAINS STORAGE MYTHS AND TRUTHS: THE GOOD IDEAS
All delays between the death and autopsy hinder the medico legal processes. All
storage options should weigh the storage requirements against the time it takes to
collect information that is necessary for identification, determination of the cause and
circumstances of death, and next of kin notification.
WHY REFRIGERATION IS RECOMMENDED

Most hospital morgues’ refrigeration capacity will be exceeded during a disaster, especially
if there are many unidentified bodies or remains recovered in the first hours of the event.

Refrigeration between 38° and 42° Fahrenheit is the best option.

Large refrigerated transport containers used by commercial shipping companies can be
used to store up to 30 bodies. (Laying flat on the floor with walkway between).

o
Enough containers are seldom available at the disaster site.
o
Consider lightweight temporary racking systems. These can increase each container
or room’s capacity by 3 times.
Refrigeration does not halt decomposition, it only delays it.
o
Will preserve a body for 1-3 months.
o
Humidity also plays a role in decomposition. Refrigeration units should be
maintained at low humidity.
o
Mold can become a problem on refrigerated bodies making visual identification
impossible and interfering with medico legal processes.
WHY DRY ICE IS AN OKAY RECOMMENDATION
Dry ice (carbon dioxide (CO2) frozen at –78.5° Celsius) may be suitable for short-term storage.

Use by building a low wall of dry ice around groups of about 20 remains and then covering
with a plastic sheet.

About 22 lbs of dry ice per remains, per day is needed, depending on the outside
temperature.

Dry ice should not be placed on top of remains, even when wrapped, because it damages
the body.

Expensive, difficult to obtain during an emergency.

Dry ice requires handling with gloves to avoid “cold burns.”

When dry ice melts it produces carbon dioxide gas, which is toxic. The area needs very
good ventilation.
IV-28
HUMAN REMAINS STORAGE MYTHS AND TRUTHS: THE BAD IDEAS
WHY STACKING IS NOT RECOMMENDED

Demonstrates a lack of respect for individuals.

The placement of one body on top of another in cold or freezing temperatures can
distort the faces of the victims, a condition which is difficult to reverse and impedes
visual identification.

Decedents are difficult to manage if stacked. Individual tags are difficult to read and
decedents on the bottom can not be easily removed.
WHY FREEZING IS NOT RECOMMENDED

Freezing causes tissues to dehydrate which changes their color; this can have a
negative impact on the interpretation of injuries, as well as on attempts at visual
recognition by family members.

Rapid freezing of bodies can cause post-mortem injury, including cranial fracture.

Handling bodies when they are frozen can also cause fracture, which will negatively
influence the investigation and make the medico legal interpretation of the
examination results difficult.

The process of freezing and thawing will accelerate decomposition of the remains.
WHY ICE RINKS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED

Ice rinks are frequently brought up as possible storage sites. As previously
mentioned, freezing has several undesirable consequences.

A body laid on ice is only partially frozen. It eventually will stick to the ice making
movement of the decedent difficult.

Management and movement of decedents on solid ground is challenging in good
circumstances. Workers having to negotiate ice walkways would pose an
unacceptable safely risk.
WHY PACKING IN ICE IS NOT RECOMMENDED

Difficult to manage due to ice weight and transport issues.

Large amounts are necessary to preserve a body even for a short time.

Difficult to resource or obtain during an emergency.

Ice is often a priority for emergency medical units.

Results in large areas of run off water.
IV-29
HUMAN REMAINS STORAGE MYTHS AND TRUTHS: OTHER ISSUES
Packing with Chemicals

Some substances may be used to pack a decedent for a short period. These
chemicals have strong odors and can be irritating to workers.

Powdered formaldehyde and powdered calcium hydroxide may be useful for
preserving fragmented remains. After these substances are applied, the body or
fragments are wrapped in several nylon or plastic bags and sealed completely.
Embalming

The most common method.

Not possible when the integrity of a corpse is compromised, i.e., it is decomposed or
in fragments.

Embalming requires a licensed professional with knowledge of anatomy and
chemistry.

Expensive, considerable time involved for each case.

Used to preserve a body for more than 72 hours after death; transitory preservation
is meant to maintain the body in an acceptable state for 24 to 72 hours after death.

Embalming is required for the repatriation or transfer of a corpse out of a country.
Temporary Interment - Not a mass grave

Temporary burial provides a good option for immediate storage where no other
method is available, or where longer-term temporary storage is needed.

While not a true form of preservation this is an option that might be considered when
there will be a great delay in final disposition.

Temperature underground is lower than at the surface, thereby providing natural
refrigeration.

Temporary burial sites should be constructed in the following way to help ensure
future location and recover of bodies.

Trench burial for larger numbers.

Burial should be 5 feet deep and at least 600 feet from drinking water sources.

Leave 1 foot between bodies.

Lay bodies in one layer only. Do not stack.

Clearly mark each body and mark their positions at ground level.

Each body must be labeled with a metal or plastic identification tag.
IV-30
TAB K: HUMAN REMAINS STORAGE CHECKLIST
The Disaster Mortuary Operations Response Teams have developed a number of
Disaster Portable Mortuary Units (DPMU). These are pre-packaged units that contain
administrative supplies, forensic equipment, support equipment and instrumentation
required to operate a temporary morgue facility in the field. They may also be used to
support an existing morgue in a surge situation. Additionally, these units contain office
equipment to support a Family Assistance Center. DPMU’s can be ordered through a
DMORT team and arrive on scene via a flat bed tractor trailer unit. Should DPMU’s not
be available, it will be necessary to convert an existing site into a temporary morgue
facility
Sites that are frequently used by the general public, such as public auditoriums and
school gymnasiums, should not be used. Also, facilities with nearby stores or offices
should not be used. Abandoned warehouse and airplane hangars are the best options
for incident morgue facilities.
1) Site Requirements: Any facility used as a temporary morgue should meet the
following requirements:
2) Size
a) 10,000-12,000 square feet at a minimum
b) Room for 53’ refrigerated trailers (number needed to be determined by incident)
3) Structure Type
a) Hard, weather-tight roofed structure
b) Separate accessible office space for the Information Resource Center
c) Separate space for administrative needs/personnel
d) Non-porous floors, preferably concrete
e) Floors capable of being decontaminated (hardwood and tile floors are porous
and not usable)
4) Accessibility
a) The temporary morgue site should have:
b) Easy access for vehicles, equipment and a tractor trailer
c) A 10' x 10' door
d) Loading dock access or site should be at ground level
e) Convenience to the incident scene
f) Complete security (away from families)
IV-31
5) Electrical
a) Electrical equipment utilizes standard household current (110-120 volts)
b) Power obtained from accessible on site distribution panel (200-amp service)
c) Electrical connections to distribution panels made by local licensed electricians
d) Two Diesel generators (7K) carried in DPMU cache
e) DPMU may need 125K generator and a separate 70K generator for
Administrative and IR Sections
6) Communications Access
a) Existing telephone lines for telephone/fax capabilities
b) Expansion of telephone lines may occur as the mission dictates
c) Broadband Internet connectivity
d) If additional telephone lines are needed, only authorized personnel will complete
any expansion and/or connections
7) Water/Sanitation/Drainage
a) Single source of cold water with standard hose bib connection
b) Water hoses, hot water heaters, sinks, and connectors in the DPMU
c) Existing drainage to dispose of gray water
d) Pre-existing rest rooms within the facility are preferable
*Biological hazardous waste, liquid or dry, produced as a result of morgue operations, will be
disposed in accordance with local/state requirements. In the event that {insert county name}
County does not have the capabilities to meet local/state requirements, cleanup and disposal
can be contracted out to a private company that specializes in this service.
IV-32
Off-Site Morgue Assessment
General site information
Date
Facility name
Year Built
Street Address
City
State
Zip Code
 Non-Profit  Faith-Based  City  State  For Profit  Other
First Contact:
Name
Position
Phone
Email
Second Contact:
Name
Position
Phone
Email
What times of the year is the site available:
Can this site be opened within:  2 hrs  4 hrs  6 hrs  12 hrs  24 hrs Other
Site Appropriate for what size event:  Small  Medium  Large  Catastrophic
Is this site familiar to the local population: Yes  No
Current MOU Agreement with this site  Yes  No Describe:
Building specifications:
Specifications
Y/N
Comments
Main Area at least 10,000
ft2
Dimensions: __________X___________=____________ ft2
Separate Casket Storage
Space
Dimensions: __________X___________=____________ ft2
Staging area at least 5,000
ft2
Dimensions: __________X___________=____________ ft2
Structure Type
Flooring Type
Available for
Use Y/N:
Hard, weather-tight roofed structure Y/N
Non-porous Y/N
Concrete Y/N
Ability to lock
the site
Ability to lock the site
Describe:
Office Space Available
Room for IRC Y/N: ______________________________
Room for Administrative Needs / Personnel Y/N:
________________________________________
IV-33
Room(s) for families to view closed circuit TV? Y/N #______
Viewing Space Available
Space that could be converted to accommodate in-person
viewing through Plexiglas? Y/N #__________________
# of Ports: ____________ Forklift on site Y/N: __________
Operator Available Y/N:_____________________________
Loading Docks
Electrical Power Available Y/N: Explain: ________________
10 ft by 10 ft door Y/N
Tractor trailer accessible Y/N
Capability of lifting eight thousand pounds Y/N
Forklifts
Six-foot forks or fork extension Y/N
Capability of lifting two-four thousand pounds Y/N
Refrigeration
Number of Restrooms
Food preparations and
consumptions facilities
Type of Food
Preparation Areas
Size: ___________________ Type: ____________________
Temp Controlled Y/N: ______________________________
# of Men’s_____________ # of Women’s: ______________
# of Family/Unisex: ________ # of Handicapped: ________
Capacity of food prep areas: __________________________
Capacity of Food Consumption area: ___________________
 Full Commercial
 Warming
 Walk-in refrigerator/Freezer
IV-34
 Partial
Accessibility:
Specifications
Y/N
Comments
# of spaces: ______________________________________
Cost of Parking per car______________________________
Validation Available? Y/N _____________ Cost:__________
Primary Parking Lot
Valet Available? Y/N _______________________________
Is Parking Secured? Y/N ____________________________
Describe:
# of spaces:_______________________________________
Secondary Parking Lot
Cost per car ______________________________________
Is Parking Secured Y/N _____________________________
Parking Lot Truck Access
Adequate Road Access
Able to accommodate 53’ refrigerated trailers Y/N
Describe: ________________________________________
# Stairs: ___________ Handicap adaptable Y/N: _________
Handicap Accessible
ADA Compliant Y/N: ______________________________
(Refer to ADA checklist for Emergency Shelters)
Public Transportation
Proximity to Local
Hospitals
Stop Name/Line: __________________________________
Stop Name/Line: __________________________________
# Miles away:
# of Guards ______________________________________
Security
Security System Provider: ____________________________
Surveillance Cameras on site: Y/N _____________________
IV-35
Available for
use: Y/N
 YES
Interference with EMS,
Fire, Police Response
 NO
Describe:
Supplies/IT/Utilities:
Specifications
Electricity
Overhead Lighting
Y/N
Comments
Service provider:
On-site distribution panel (200-amp service: Y/N
Sufficient for Morgue Operation Y/N:
Sufficient for Morgue Operation Y/N:
____________________
Generator
Wired appropriately for trailer mounted generator Y/N:
________________________________________________
125K generator Y/N:
75K generator Y/N:
Temporary Partitions
# on site:_________________________________________
Describe:
Computers
# on site:
FAX machines
# on site:
Copiers
# on site:
Telephones
Televisions
# on site:
Ability to expand telephone lines: ______________________
# on site:
IV-36
Available for
use: Y/N
Scanners
# on site:
File Storage Container
# on site:
Industrial Fans
# on site:
Trash Cans/ Trash
supplies and removal
# of trash cans on site:______________________________
Describe removal methods: __________________________
 Sprinklers
Fire Safety System
 Alarms
 Smoke Detectors
 Carbon Monoxide Detector
Date of last test/inspection: __________________________
# of Extinguishers: _________________________________
Radio
# on site:
__________________________________________
Known interference or Shielding Y/N: __________________
Service provider:___________________________________
Internet
Type of Internet:  Wi-Fi  Hardwire
 Satellite
Phone
Service provider: ___________________________________
Service provider: ___________________________________
Water
 Hot
 Cold
 Potable
Single source of cold water with standard hose bib connection
Y/N
IV-37
Heat/AC
Services Provider:
Gas
Services Provider:
Total # on site: ____________________________________
Electrical Sockets
Transportation vehicles
Describe:
Services the facility will continue to provide:
Service:
Y/N
Comments
Janitorial
Food Preparation/
Cleaning
Restroom Maintenance
Facility Maintenance
Security
Necessary documents to be attached:
Document
Y/N
Comments
MOU for the site
Fire and Capacity
Regulations
Evacuation Plan of site
Floor Plan of site
Photographs of Site
(Including Satellite
images)
IV-38
TAB L: HUMAN REMAINS STORAGE CAPACITIES
Hospital Name
Street Address
City
Contact Name &
Phone
Refrigerated
Morgue Capacity
Organization
Street Address
City
Contact Name &
Phone
Mortuary Storage
Capacity
Truck Owner
Street Address
City
Contact Name &
Phone
After-Hours
Contact Name &
Phone
NEED COMPLETE INFO FROM FACILITIES
IV-39
TAB M: HUMAN REMAINS STORAGE TEMPORARY SITES
SITE
ADDRESS & PHONE
CONTACT NAME
NEED COMPLETE INFO FROM FACILITIES
IV-40
TAB N: JOB ACTION SHEETS
N.1 – Morgue Incident Commander Job Action Sheet
DIRECT SUPERVISOR:
 Not applicable
POSITION REPORTING TO MORGUE INCIDENT COMMANDER:
 Operations Section Chief
 Administration / Finance Section Chief
 Logistics Section Chief
GENERAL OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES:
 Oversee all morgue and disposition operations; secure staffing and facilities
needed off-site, morgues and temporary storage.
 Prepare action plan for morgue operations
 Oversee morgue operations and disposition task
 Maintain communication with Mass Fatality Management Branch Director and
Human Remains Recovery Group Supervisor
ACTIVATION PHASE:
 Review Morgue Operations section of Chatham County Mass Fatality
Management Plan
 Review job action sheet
 Provide input on potential staff for morgue operations and disposition
 Work with Mass Fatality Management Branch Director ( or Deputy Director ) to
provide activation information to responding staff
 Reporting time
 Orientation and/or Updates
 Safety Procedures
 Travel instructions
 Any special instructions
 Necessity for security and Confidentially of all records and data
 Workflow/procedural issues
 Discuss objectives and expectations with Mass Fatality Management Branch
Director ( or Deputy Director )
 Determine the cut-off for testing human tissue and set policies for handling
similar questions
 Request additional supplies from Mass Fatality Management Branch Director (or
Deputy Director) if needed
 Work with Mass Fatality Management Branch Director (or Deputy Director) to
determine need for off-site and / or temporary morgues and provide input on site
selection
IV-41
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Review previous operational period activities
 Receive briefing from Morgue Incident Commander from previous operational
period
 Take attendance to Section Chief staff on hand
 Discuss Action Plan and make adjustments as needed
 Update Action Plan
 Check in with Section Chiefs to provide assistance as needed
 Communicate resource and staff needs to Mass Fatality Management Branch
Director
 Oversee identification process and adjust layout and MFI number flow as needed
 Ensure completion of relevant section of JIC form
 Return completed JIC form to Mass Fatality Management Branch Director
 Maintain communication with FAC personnel to ensure flow of information
remains uninhibited
 Manage personnel issues, including ensuring staff are taking breaks, eating and
staying hydrated
 Maintain a written log of all important actions and decisions
 Brief the incoming Morgue Incident Commander
 Provide all documentation developed to incoming Morgue Incident Commander,
with a copy for Mass Fatality Management Branch Director
 Alert Mass Fatality Management Branch Director that shift has ended
 If morgue operations will cease between day shifts, ensure that morgue is
secured
DEACTIVATION:
 Ensure all Sections have been deactivated
 Ensure all human remains and evidence that has not been identified or claimed
are accounted for and transitioned to the care of Coroner’s Office for disposition
via normal operations
 If off-site or temporary morgue was used, ensure that facility is returned to
original condition or, if not possible, work with Mass Fatality Management Branch
Director (or Deputy Director) to secure funding to take permanent control of the
facility
 Ensure transition of other outstanding issues to Mass Fatality Management
Branch Director (or Deputy Director)
IV-42
N.2 - Morgue Administration / Finance Section Chief Job
Action Sheet
REPORTS TO:
 Morgue Incident Commander
POSITION REPORTING TO MORGUE ADMINISTRATION/FINANCE SECTION
CHIEF:
 Not applicable
 Provide staffing and finance support to morgue operations.
 Manage staffing issues for morgue operations
 Address financial questions
 Communicate with Public Health on issues
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
 Discuss objectives and expectations with Morgue Incident Commander
 Request additional supplies from Logistics Section Chief if needed
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Check in with Morgue Incident Commander
 Receive briefing from Morgue Administration / Finance Section Chief from
previous operational period
 Communicate resource needs to Logistics Section Chief
 Manage timekeeping and staffing issues
 Stay in close communication with Administration / Finance Section Chief
 Provide planning support if needed
 Ensure completion of relevant section of JIC form and return to Morgue Incident
Commander
staying hydrated
 Maintain amble supplies of: General Morgue Forms, Disaster Victim Packages,
Embalming Forms, Release Forms
 Brief the incoming Morgue Administration / Finance Section Chief
 Provide all documentation developed to incoming Morgue Administration /
Finance Section Chief, with a copy for Morgue Incident Commander
 Check out with Morgue Incident Commander
IV-43
DEACTIVATION:
 Ensure transition of outstanding issues to Morgue Incident Commander
IV-44
N.3 - Morgue Logistics Section Chief Job Action Sheet
REPORTS TO:
 Incident Commander
POSITION REPORTING TO MORGUE LOGISTICS SECTION CHIEF:
 Not applicable
 Help secure facilities and supplies needed for morgue operations
 Secure needed supplies and equipment
 Support securing additional facilities if needed
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
 Respond to request from other sections for additional supplies
 Request additional supplies from Morgue Incident Commander or Logistics
Section as needed
 Work with Morgue Incident Commander to determine need for off-site and / or
temporary morgues and provide input on site selection
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Review previous operational period activities and outstanding supply requests
 Receive briefing from Morgue Logistics Section Chief from previous operational
period
 Communicate resource needs to Morgue Incident Commander or Logistics
Section
 Brief the incoming Morgue Logistics Section Chief
 Provide all documentation developed to incoming Morgue Logistics Section
Chief, with a copy for Morgue Incident Commander
secured
DEACTIVATION PHASE:
 If off-site or temporary morgue was used, ensure that facility is returned to
original condition or, if not possible, work with Morgue Incident Commander to
secure funding to take permanent control of the facility
 Ensure transition of other outstanding issues to Morgue Incident Commander
IV-45
IV-46
N.4 - Morgue Operations Section Chief Job Action Sheet
REPORTS TO: Morgue Incident Commander
POSITIONS REPORTING TO MORGUE OPERATIONS SECTION CHIEF:
 Morgue Operations Group Supervisor
 Information Processing and Disposition Group Supervisor
 Assist in overseeing all morgue and disposition operations.
 Oversee morgue operations and disposition tasks
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
 Provide input on potential staff for morgue operations
 Work with Morgue Incident Commander to provide activation information to
responding staff
 Reporting time
 Discuss with Morgue Incident Commander the cut-off for testing human tissue
and set policies for handling similar questions
 Request additional supplies from Logistics Section Chief if needed
 Work with Morgue Incident Commander to determine need for off-site and / or
temporary morgues and provide input on site selection
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Receive briefing from Morgue Operations Section Chief from previous
operational period
 Take attendance to confirm Group Supervisor staff on hand
 Check in with Group Supervisors to provide assistance as needed
 Communicate resource and staff needs to Logistics and Administration / Finance
Section Chiefs
 Oversee identification process and adjust layout and MFI number flow as needed
 Ensure completion of relevant section of JIC form and return to Morgue Incident
Commander
IV-47
remains uninhibited
staying hydrated
 Brief the incoming Morgue Operations Section Chief
 Provide all documentation developed to incoming Morgue Operations Section
Chief, with a copy for Morgue Incident Commander
Deactivation Phase:
 Ensure all Groups have been deactivated
 Ensure all human remains and evidence that have not been identified or claimed
are accounted for and transitioned to the care of the Coroner’s Office for
disposition via normal operations
 Ensure transition of other outstanding issues to Morgue Incident Commander
IV-48
N.5 - Morgue Operations Group Supervisor
REPORTS TO:
 Morgue Operations Section Chief
POSITION REPORTING TO MORGUE OPERATIONS GROUP SUPERVISOR:
 Autopsy Unit Lead
 Data Collection Unit Lead
 Assist in overseeing all morgue and disposition operations.
 Oversee the process of examining human remains
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
 Work with Morgue Operations Section Chief to provide activation information to
responding staff
 Reporting time
 Discuss objectives and expectations with Morgue Operations Section Chief
 Discuss with Morgue Operations Section Chief the cut-off for testing human
tissue how similar questions will be handled
 Work with Morgue Operations Section Chief to request additional supplies from
Morgue Logistics Section Chief if needed
 Work with Morgue Operations Section Chief to determine need for off-site and /
or temporary morgues and provide input on site selection
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Check in with Morgue Operations Section Chief
 Receive briefing from Morgue Operations Group Supervisor from previous
operational period
 Take attendance to confirm Unit Lead staff on hand
 Check in with Unit Leads to provide assistance as needed
 Work with Morgue Operations Section Chief to request additional supplies from
Morgue Logistics Section Chief if needed
 Adjust morgue layout and MFI number flow as needed
 Ensure completion of relevant section of JIC form and return to Morgue
IV-49
staying hydrated
 Brief the incoming Morgue Operations Group Supervisor
 Provide all documentation developed to incoming Morgue Operations Group
Supervisor, with a copy for Morgue Operations Section Chief
 Check out with Morgue Operations Section Chief
DEACTIVATION PHASE:
 Ensure all Units have been deactivated
 Ensure transition of other outstanding issues to Morgue Operations Section Chief
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N.6 - Morgue Operations Group Deputy Supervisor
REPORTS TO:
POSITION REPORTING TO MORGUE OPERATIONS GROUP DEPUTY
SUPERVISOR:
 Not applicable
 Assist in overseeing all morgue and disposition operations
 Assist in the preparation of the action plan for morgue operations
 Assist in overseeing the process of examining human remains
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
 Work with Morgue Operations Group Supervisor to provide activation information
to responding staff
 Reporting time
 Discuss objectives and expectations with Morgue Operations Group Supervisor
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Check in with Morgue Operations Group Supervisor
 Receive briefing from Morgue Operations Group Deputy Supervisor from
previous operational period
 Work with Morgue Operations Group Supervisor to request additional supplies
from Morgue Logistics Section Chief if needed
 Adjust morgue layout and MFI number flow as needed
 Ensure completion of relevant section of JIC form and return to Morgue
staying hydrated
 Brief the incoming Morgue Operations Deputy Group Supervisor
 Provide all documentation developed to incoming Morgue Operations Group
Deputy Supervisor, with a copy for Morgue Operations Group Supervisor
 Check out with Morgue Operations Group Supervisor
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DEACTIVATION PHASE:
 Ensure transition of other outstanding issues to Morgue Operations Group
Supervisor
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N.7 - Morgue Autopsy Unit Lead Job Action Sheet
REPORTS TO:
POSITIONS REPORTING TO MORGUE AUTOPSY UNIT LEAD:
 Morgue Intake Team Lead
 Morgue Triage Team Lead
 Morgue Escort Team Lead
 Morgue Pathology / Autopsy Team Lead
 Morgue Anthropology Team Lead
 Oversee morgue operations
 Oversee the process of human remains separation and identification
 Directly manage intake and triage process
 Directly manage pathology and anthropology tasks
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
 Work with Morgue Operations Group Supervisor to provide activation information
to responding staff
 Reporting time
 Request additional supplies from Morgue Operations Group Supervisor if needed
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Receive briefing from Morgue Autopsy Unit Lead from previous operational
period
 Discuss action plan and clarify any sections that are unclear or need adjustment
 Update Action Plan document as needed based on lessons learned during
operations
 Check in with Team Leads to provide assistance as needed
 Communicate resource and staff needs to Morgue Operations Group Supervisor
 Assist in adjusting layout and MFI number flow as needed
staying hydrated
 Brief the incoming Morgue Autopsy Unit Lead
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 Provide all documentation developed to incoming Morgue Autopsy Unit Lead,
with a copy for Morgue Operations Group Supervisor
 Check out with Morgue Operations Group Supervisor
DEACTIVATION PHASE:
 Ensure all Teams have been deactivated
Supervisor
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N.8 - Morgue Intake Team Leader Job Action Sheet
REPORTS TO:
 Morgue Autopsy Unit Lead
POSITIONS REPORTING TO MORGUE INTAKE TEAM LEADER:
 Morgue Intake Staff
 Manage the initial processing of human remains at the morgue
 Receive MFI numbers transported from the scene
 Oversee paperwork and collection of evidence and property associated with MFI
numbers
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
 Work with Morgue Autopsy Unit Lead to provide activation information to
responding staff
 Reporting time
 Request additional supplies from Morgue Autopsy Unit Lead if needed
 Discuss objectives and expectations with Morgue Autopsy Unit Lead
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Check in with Morgue Autopsy Unit Lead
 Receive briefing from Morgue Intake Team Lead from previous operational
period
 Ensure all necessary equipment and supplies are present
 Update Action Plan as needed based on lessons learned during operations
 Check in with Morgue Intake staff provide assistance as needed
 Communicate resource and staff needs to Morgue Autopsy Unit Lead
 Receive human remains, property and evidence transported from the scene
 Log all items received
staying hydrated
 As remains are admitted, the Coroner, working with the Family Assistance
Center, will consider religious and cultural customs when handling the remains.
 Brief the incoming Morgue Intake Team Lead
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 Provide all documentation developed to incoming Morgue Intake Team Lead,
with a copy for Morgue Autopsy Unit Lead
 Check out with Morgue Autopsy Unit Lead
DEACTIVATION PHASE:
 Ensure all human remains, evidence and property in transit have been received
and logged
 Ensure all human remains and evidence that have yet to be recovered are
transitioned to the care of Coroner’s Office
 Ensure transition of other outstanding issues to Morgue Autopsy Unit Lead
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N.9 - Morgue Intake Staff Job Action Sheet
REPORTS TO:
 Morgue Intake Team Lead
POSITIONS REPORTING TO MORGUE INTAKE STAFF:
 Not applicable
 Assist in processing human remains at the morgue
 Receive MFI numbers transported from the scene
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
 Discuss objectives and expectations with Morgue Intake Team Lead
 Request additional supplies from Morgue Intake Team Lead if needed
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Check in with Morgue Intake Team Lead
 Review previous operational period activities, if applicable
 Receive briefing from Morgue Intake staff from previous operational period
 Discuss Action Plan and clarify any sections that are unclear or need adjustment
 Communicate resource and staff needs to Morgue Intake Team Lead
 Receive human remains, property and evidence transported from the scene
 Log all items received
 Brief the incoming Morgue Intake staff
 Provide all documentation developed to incoming Morgue Intake staff, with a
copy for the Morgue Intake Team Lead
 Check out with Morgue Intake Team Lead
DEACTIVATION PHASE:
 Ensure all human remains, evidence and property in transit have been received
and logged
 Ensure all human remains and evidence that have yet to be recovered are
 Ensure transition of other outstanding issues to Morgue Intake Team Lead
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N.10 - Morgue Escort Team Leader Job Action Sheet
REPORTS TO:
POSITIONS REPORTING TO MORGUE ESCORT TEAM LEADER:
 Morgue Escorts
 Oversee the movement of remains from one station to another and move
remains as needed
 Ensure remains are moved through the different morgue stations
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
responding staff
 Reporting time
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Receive briefing from Morgue Escort Team Lead from previous operational
period
 Check in with Morgue Escort staff to provide assistance as needed
 Escort remains from one station to another
staying hydrated
 Brief the incoming Morgue Intake Team Lead
 Provide all documentation developed to incoming Morgue Intake Team Lead,
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DEACTIVATION PHASE:
 Ensure all human remains have been escorted to the appropriate station
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N.11 - Morgue Escort Staff Job Action Sheet
REPORTS TO:
 Morgue Escort Team Lead
POSITIONS REPORTING TO MORGUE ESCORT STAFF:
 Not applicable
 Move remains from one station to another
 Ensure remains are moved through the different morgue stations
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
 Request additional supplies from Morgue Escort Team Lead if needed
 Discuss objectives and expectations with Morgue Escort Team Lead
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Check in with Morgue Escort Team Lead
 Receive briefing from Morgue Escort staff from previous operational period
 Communicate resource and staff needs to Morgue Escort Team Lead
 Escort remains from one station to another
 Brief the incoming Morgue Escort staff
 Provide all documentation developed to incoming Morgue Escort staff, with a
copy for Morgue Escort Team Lead
 Check out with Morgue Escort Team Lead
DEACTIVATION PHASE:
 Ensure all human remains have been escorted to the appropriate station
 Ensure transition of other outstanding issues to Morgue Escort Team Lead
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N.12 - Morgue Triage Team Leader Job Action Sheet
REPORTS TO:
POSITIONS REPORTING TO MORGUE TRIAGE LEADER:
 Triage Pathologist
 Triage Autopsy Techs
 Oversee the triage process
 View arriving human remains
 Determine the need for additional MFI numbers
 Oversee overall triage processes
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
responding staff
 Reporting time
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Receive briefing from Morgue Triage Team Lead from previous operational
period
 Check in with Morgue Triage Pathologists and Morgue Triage Autopsy Techs to
provide assistance as needed
 Review human remains received from intake area
 Determine whether additional MFI numbers should be assigned
 Determine route remains should take through the morgue
staying hydrated
 Brief the incoming Morgue Triage Team Lead
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 Provide all documentation developed to incoming Morgue Operations Unit Lead,
DEACTIVATION PHASE:
 Ensure all human remains arriving at the morgue have been viewed and
assigned additional MFI numbers if necessary
 Ensure all human remains and evidence that have yet to be triaged are
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N.13 - Morgue Triage Pathologist Job Action Sheet
REPORTS TO:
POSITIONS REPORTING TO THE MORGUE TRIAGE PATHOLOGIST:
 Not applicable
 Sort each MFI number to determine whether additional MFI numbers are needed
and to determine the routing of the remains through the morgue
 View each set of human remains
 Determine route through morgue
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
 Request additional supplies from Morgue Triage Team Lead if needed
 Discuss objectives and expectations with Morgue Triage Team Lead
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Check in with Morgue Triage Team Lead
 Receive briefing from Morgue Triage Pathologist from previous operational
period
 Communicate resource and staff needs to Morgue Triage Team Lead
 Determine whether additional MFI numbers should be assigned
 This function is performed per incident-based guidelines to separate remains,
personal effects, evidence and debris delivered from the incident site in the body
bag. This entails:
 Using radiographs of bags taken prior to screening/triage, separate
diagnostic human tissue from material evidence, debris and personal
effects
 Photograph prior to disturbing clothing, property, foreign objects
 Complete anatomic charting
 Document and describe any personal effects or evidence that is removed
 Route potential evidence to law enforcement using chain of custody forms
 Determine path for examination/identification based on protocol:
 Long path: continue through all subsequent stations.
 Short path: Photography, Radiology, Anthropology and DNA Retrieval
Stations only.
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 Bag human tissue/remains having potential for ID based on incident
guidelines and probative value (remains with highest likelihood for
identification)
 Store tissue that does not have potential for ID and unassociated personal
effects as determined based on the incident
 If personal effects or dangerous material items (e.g., bomb fragments)
could not be removed without possible damage, notify the Unit Leader and
leave effects associated with tissue marking the disaster victim packets
(DVP) alerting future stations
 Route to Admitting
 If remains are determined, at any station, to be unrelated, they will be
separated and returned to Screening/Triage for assessment.
Determine route remains should take through the morgue
Maintain a written log of all important actions and decisions
Brief the incoming Morgue Triage Pathologist
Provide all documentation developed to incoming Morgue Triage Pathologist,
with a copy for Morgue Triage Team Lead
Check out with Morgue Triage Team Lead
DEACTIVATION PHASE:
 Ensure transition of other outstanding issues to Morgue Triage Team Lead
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N.14 - Morgue Triage Autopsy Techs Job Action Sheet
REPORTS TO:
POSITIONS REPORTING TO THE MORGUE TRIAGE AUTOPSY TECHS:
 Not applicable
 Assist Morgue Triage Pathologist
 View each set of human remains
 Assist Triage Pathologist in determining route through morgue
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
 Request additional supplies from Morgue Triage Team Lead if needed
 Discuss objectives and expectations with Morgue Triage Team Lead
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Check in with Morgue Triage Team Lead
 Receive briefing from Morgue Triage Autopsy Tech from previous operational
period
 Communicate resource and staff needs to Morgue Triage Team Lead
 Assist Morgue Triage Pathologist in determining whether additional MFI numbers
should be assigned
 Assist Morgue Triage Pathologist in determining route remains should take
through the morgue
 Brief the incoming Morgue Triage Autopsy Tech
 Provide all documentation developed to incoming Morgue Triage Autopsy Tech,
with a copy for Morgue Triage Team Lead
 Check out with Morgue Triage Team Lead
DEACTIVATION PHASE:
 Ensure transition of other outstanding issues to Morgue Triage Team Lead
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N.15 - Morgue Pathology / Autopsy Team Leader Job Action
Sheet
REPORTS TO:
POSITIONS REPORTING TO THE MORGUE PATHOLOGY/AUTOPSY TEAM
LEADER:
 Morgue Pathology / Autopsy Staff
 Oversee pathology staff and perform post-mortem examinations
 Perform post-mortem examination to determine cause and manner of death
 Aid in identification of human remains
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
responding staff
 Reporting time
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Receive briefing from Morgue Pathology / Autopsy Team Lead from previous
operational period
 Check in with Morgue Pathology / Autopsy staff to provide assistance as needed
 Perform post-mortem examinations
 Reviewing radiographs.
 Documenting general physical characteristics.
 Documenting specific scars, tattoos, and other unique identifying features.
 Documenting injuries and trauma.
 Documenting and recovering, when appropriate, internally implanted
medical devices for identification.
 Documenting and recovering evidence, if present.
 Collecting and labeling appropriate toxicology and histology samples.
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 Conducting a complete autopsy, if indicated.
 Staffing of the pathology station is dependent on volume. Each station
staffed requires a minimum of one pathologist and one autopsy technician
Manage personnel issues, including ensuring staff are taking breaks, eating and
staying hydrated
Ensure all documentation, specimens and paperwork are properly filed and
accompanying the correct set of human remains
Brief the incoming Morgue Pathology / Autopsy Team Lead
Provide all documentation developed to incoming Morgue Pathology / Autopsy
Team Lead, with a copy for Morgue Autopsy Unit Lead
Check out with Morgue Autopsy Unit Lead
DEACTIVATION PHASE:
 Ensure all human remains arriving at the morgue have been examined as
necessary
 Ensure all human remains that have yet to be examined are transitioned to the
care of Coroner’s Office
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N.16 - Morgue Pathologists Job Action Sheet
REPORTS TO:
POSITIONS REPORTING TO THE MORGUE PATHOLOGIST:
 Not applicable
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
 Request additional supplies from Morgue Pathology / Autopsy Team Lead if
needed
 Discuss objectives and expectations with Morgue Pathology / Autopsy Team
Lead
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Check in with Morgue Pathology / Autopsy Team Lead
 Receive briefing from Morgue Pathologists from previous operational period
 Communicate resource and staff needs to Morgue Pathology / Autopsy Team
Lead
 Reviewing radiographs.
 Documenting general physical characteristics.
 Documenting specific scars, tattoos, and other unique identifying features.
 Documenting injuries and trauma.
 Documenting and recovering, when appropriate, internally implanted
medical devices for identification.
 Documenting and recovering evidence, if present.
 Collecting and labeling appropriate toxicology and histology samples.
 Conducting a complete autopsy, if indicated.
 Staffing of the pathology station is dependent on volume. Each station
staffed requires a minimum of one pathologist and one autopsy technician
 Ensure all documentation, specimens and paperwork are properly filed and
 Brief incoming Morgue Pathologists
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 Provide all documentation developed to incoming Morgue Pathologists, with a
copy for Morgue Pathology / Autopsy Team Lead
 Check out with Morgue Pathology / Autopsy Team Lead
DEACTIVATION PHASE:
necessary
 Ensure transition of other outstanding issues to Morgue Pathology / Autopsy
Team Lead
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N.17 - Morgue Autopsy Techs Job Action Sheet
REPORTS TO:
POSITIONS REPORTING TO THE MORGUE AUTOPSY TECHS:
 Not applicable
 Assist pathologists
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
 Request additional supplies from Morgue Pathology / Autopsy Team Lead if
needed
 Discuss objectives and expectations with Morgue Pathology / Autopsy Team
Lead
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Check in with Morgue Pathology / Autopsy Team Lead
 Receive briefing from Morgue Autopsy Techs from previous operational period
 Communicate resource and staff needs to Morgue Pathology / Autopsy Team
Lead
 Brief incoming Morgue Autopsy Techs
 Provide all documentation developed to incoming Morgue Autopsy Techs, with a
copy for Morgue Pathology / Autopsy Team Lead
 Check out with Morgue Pathology / Autopsy Team Lead
DEACTIVATION PHASE:
necessary
 Ensure transition of other outstanding issues to Morgue Pathology / Autopsy
Lead
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N.18 - Morgue Anthropology Team Leader Job Action Sheet
REPORTS TO:
POSITIONS REPORTING TO THE MORGUE ANTHROPOLOGY LEADER:
 Morgue Anthropology Staff
 Oversee anthropology staff and assist with identification of human remains
 Identify tissue fragments
 Prepare biological profiles
 Assist with radiographic identification
 Assist with triage
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
responding staff
 Reporting time
 Request additional supplies from Morgue Anthropology Team Lead if needed
 Discuss objectives and expectations with Morgue Anthropology Team Lead
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Check in with Morgue Anthropology Team Lead
 Receive briefing from Morgue Anthropology Team Lead from previous
operational period
 Check in with Morgue Anthropology staff to provide assistance as needed
 Communicate resource and staff needs to Morgue Anthropology Team Lead
 Sex
 Age at death
 Ancestry
 Forensic stature
 Anomalies and pathology
 Perimortem trauma
 Examine and identify tissue fragments
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 Obtaining DNA samples from bone.
 Interpreting skeletal trauma in consultation with the pathologist.
 Obtaining and isolating dental evidence in consultation with the
odontologists.
Assist with radiographic identification
Examining identified remains prior to release to confirm that the biological
evidence used for identification matches the biological parameters of the
remains.
Documenting, removing, and saving non-human and/or non-biological materials
for proper disposal
Assist with triage as needed
staying hydrated
Brief the incoming Morgue Anthropology staff
Provide all documentation developed to incoming Morgue Anthropology staff,
with a copy for Morgue Anthropology Team Lead
Check out with Morgue Anthropology Team Lead
DEACTIVATION PHASE:
necessary
 Ensure transition of other outstanding issues to Morgue Anthropology Team
Lead
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N.19 - Morgue Anthropology Staff Job Action Sheet
REPORTS TO:
 Morgue Anthropology Team Lead
POSITIONS REPORTING TO THE MORGUE ANTHROPOLOGY STAFF:
 Not applicable
 Identify tissue fragments, prepare biological profiles and assist with radiographic
identification; assist with triage if needed.
 Identify tissue fragments
 Assist with triage
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
 Request additional supplies from Morgue Anthropology Team Lead if needed
 Discuss objectives and expectations with Morgue Anthropology Team Lead
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Check in with Morgue Anthropology Team Lead
 Receive briefing from Morgue Anthropology staff from previous operational
period
 Communicate resource and staff needs to Morgue Anthropology Team Lead
 Sex
 Age at death
 Ancestry
 Forensic stature
 Anomalies and pathology
 Perimortem trauma
 Examine and identify tissue fragments
 Obtaining DNA samples from bone.
 Interpreting skeletal trauma in consultation with the pathologist.
 Obtaining and isolating dental evidence in consultation with the
odontologists.
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 Examining identified remains prior to release to confirm that the biological
evidence used for identification matches the biological parameters of the
remains.
 Documenting, removing, and saving non-human and/or non-biological materials
for proper disposal
 Assist with triage as needed
 Brief the incoming Morgue Anthropology staff
 Provide all documentation developed to incoming Morgue Anthropology staff,
with a copy for Morgue Anthropology Team Lead
 Check out with Morgue Anthropology Team Lead
DEACTIVATION PHASE:
necessary
 Ensure transition of other outstanding issues to Morgue Anthropology Team
Lead
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N.20 - Morgue Data Collection Unit Leader Job Action Sheet
REPORTS TO:
POSITIONS REPORTING TO THE MORGUE DATA COLLECTION UNIT LEADER:
 Photography Team Lead
 Radiology Team Lead
 Dental Team Lead
 DNA Team Lead
 Fingerprint Team Lead
 Assist in overseeing morgue operations by serving as supervisor for
photography, radiology, dental, DNA and fingerprint teams
 Assist in overseeing the process of human remains separation and identification
 Directly manage photography, radiology and dental team tasks
 Directly manage DNA and fingerprint tasks
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
 Work with Morgue Data Collection Unit Lead to provide activation information to
responding staff
 Reporting time
 Request additional supplies from Morgue Operations Group Supervisor if needed
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Receive briefing from Morgue Data Collection Unit Lead from previous
operational period
 Check in with Team Leads to provide assistance as needed
 Communicate resource and staff needs to Morgue Operations Group Supervisor
 Assist in overseeing identification process and adjusting layout and MFI number
flow as needed
 This center is the central repository for collecting, recording, and storing antemortem and post-mortem information including:
 Keeping the information systems and records secure 3
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Matching ante-mortem and post-mortem files
Receiving electronic ante-mortem data from the Family Assistance Center
Electronically logging ante-mortem and post-mortem data
Separates post-mortem and ante-mortem records into four major file
categories:
 Unidentified remains case files
 Missing person reports case files (ante-mortem data collection interviews)
 Identified remains case files
 Court issued presumptive death certificates and related documents (if
applicable)
 Compare ante-mortem and post-mortem records
 Develops Identification Summary Report for Identification Team
 All records and data must be kept secure and confidential because they
are protected by the HIPAA of 1996, Public Law 104-191, and additional
applicable local laws. No information will be released to any person(s) or
agencies without proper authorization from the Coroner.
staying hydrated
Brief the incoming Morgue Data Collection Unit Lead
Provide all documentation developed to incoming Morgue Data Collection Unit
Lead, with a copy for Morgue Operations Group Supervisor
Check out with Morgue Operations Group Supervisor
DEACTIVATION PHASE:
 Ensure all Teams have been deactivated
are accounted for and transitioned to the care of Coroner’s Office
Supervisor
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N.21 - Morgue Photography Team Leader Job Action Sheet
REPORTS TO:
 Morgue Data Collection Unit Lead
POSITIONS REPORTING THE TO MORGUE PHOTOGRAPHY TEAM LEADER:
 Morgue Photography Staff
 Oversee photographing of human remains; photograph human remains as
necessary
 Photograph human remains to aid in identification
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
responding staff
 Reporting time
 Request additional supplies from Morgue Data Collection Unit Lead if needed
 Discuss objectives and expectations with Morgue Data Collection Unit Lead
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Check in with Morgue Data Collection Unit Lead
 Receive briefing from Morgue Photography Team Lead from previous operational
period
 Update action plan document as needed based on lessons learned during
operations
 Check in with Morgue Photography staff to provide assistance as needed
 Communicate resource and staff needs to Morgue Data Collection Unit Lead
 Photograph human remains
 Photographing prior to disturbing clothing, property, foreign objects
 Placing proper documentation in photo
 Including scale in photo
 Taking standard autopsy-type photographs (anatomical position) for
complete bodies
 Taking full-face photographs when possible
 Ensuring entire remains are present in the photograph
 Close-ups of physical characteristics including scars, marks, tattoos, hair
distribution and color, dentition, surgical hardware or prostheses.
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 Close-ups of any wounds or noteworthy findings as dictated by the
pathologist or anthropologist.
 Personal effects.
 Items of evidence.
 All photos are downloaded onto the Chatham County Coroner file server
and stored by MFI number.
 Staff at the photography station consists of one photographer. Escorts are
used to handle the remains and position for photo documentation
 Sending digital files to Information Resource Center for inclusion in victim
identification processes.
staying hydrated
Ensure all documentation, photo cards and paperwork are properly filed and
Brief the incoming Morgue Photography Team Lead
Provide all documentation developed to incoming Morgue Photography Team
Lead, with a copy for Morgue Data Collection Unit Lead
Check out with Morgue Data Collection Unit Lead
DEACTIVATION PHASE:
 Ensure all human remains arriving at the morgue have been photographed as
necessary
 Ensure all human remains that have yet to be photographed are transitioned to
the care of Coroner’s Office
 Ensure transition of other outstanding issues to Morgue Data Collection Unit
Lead
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N.22 - Morgue Photography Staff Job Action Sheet
REPORTS TO:
 Morgue Photography Team Lead
POSITIONS REPORTING TO THE MORGUE PHOTOGRAPHY STAFF:
 Not applicable
 Photograph human remains to aid in identification
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
 Request additional supplies from Morgue Photography Team Lead if needed
 Discuss objectives and expectations with Morgue Photography Team Lead
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Check in with Morgue Photography Team Lead
 Receive briefing from Morgue Photography staff from previous operational period
 Communicate resource and staff needs to Morgue Photography Team Lead
 Photographing prior to disturbing clothing, property, foreign objects
 Placing proper documentation in photo
 Including scale in photo
 Taking standard autopsy-type photographs (anatomical position) for complete
bodies
 Taking full-face photographs when possible
 Ensuring entire remains are present in the photograph
 Close-ups of physical characteristics including scars, marks, tattoos, hair
distribution and color, dentition, surgical hardware or prostheses.
 Close-ups of any wounds or noteworthy findings as dictated by the
 Personal effects.
 Items of evidence.
 All photos are downloaded onto the Chatham County Coroner file server and
stored by MFI number.
 Staff at the photography station consists of one photographer. Escorts are
used to handle the remains and position for photo documentation
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 Sending digital files to Information Resource Center for inclusion in victim
identification processes.
Ensure all documentation, photo cards and paperwork are properly filed and
Brief incoming Morgue Photography staff
Provide all documentation developed to incoming Photography staff, with a copy
for Morgue Photography Team Lead
Check out with Morgue Photography Team Lead
DEACTIVATION PHASE:
 Ensure all human remains arriving at the morgue have been photographed as
necessary
 Ensure all human remains that have yet to be photographed are transitioned to
 Ensure transition of other outstanding issues to Morgue Photography Team Lead
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N.23 - Morgue Radiology Team Leader Job Action Sheet
REPORTS TO:
 Morgue Operations Unit Deputy Lead
POSITIONS REPORTING TO THE MORGUE RADIOLOGY TEAM LEADER:
 Morgue Radiology Team Staff
 Oversee x-raying of human remains; X-ray human remains as necessary.
 X-ray human remains to aid in identification
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
responding staff
 Reporting time
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Receive briefing from Morgue Radiology Team Lead from previous operational
period
 Check in with Morgue Radiology staff to provide assistance as needed
 X-ray human remains:
 Full body radiographs will be taken when possible.
 The remains should be positioned so that standard and conventional
views are obtained for ease of comparison with ante mortem films.
 When dealing with fragmented remains, this may require the assistance of
the pathologist or anthropologist.
 Each radiograph is inputted in the computer using the MFI number.
 All films are reviewed for proper exposure and correct labeling before
being sent to PACS.
 Any findings of evidentiary material or potential markers for identification
are to be brought to the attention of the pathologist or anthropologist.
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 Additional radiographs may be necessary after ante mortem films are
obtained for comparison.
 If radiographic analysis reveals probable comingling, the MFI number is
returned to triage for sorting and assignment of additional MFI numbers.
 Staff at the radiology station consists of a minimum of one x-ray
technician. If staffing permits, a second technician or anthropologist would
be preferable.
 It is important to note that because radiology precedes DNA extraction,
care must be taken to sterilize all surfaces on which specimens are placed
in order to remove any risk of cross contamination.
Manage personnel issues
Ensure all documentation, radiography and paperwork are properly filed and
Brief the incoming Morgue Radiology Team Lead
Provide all documentation developed to incoming Morgue Radiology Team Lead,
with a copy for Morgue Data Collection Unit Lead
DEACTIVATION PHASE:
 Ensure all human remains arriving at the morgue have been x-rayed as
necessary
 Ensure all human remains that have yet to be x-rayed are transitioned to the care
of Coroner’s Office
Lead
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N.24 - Morgue Radiology Staff Job Action Sheet
REPORTS TO:
 Morgue Radiology Team Lead
POSITIONS REPORTING TO THE MORGUE RADIOLOGY STAFF:
 Not applicable
 X-ray human remains
 X-ray human remains to aid in identification
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
 Request additional supplies from Morgue Radiology Team Lead if needed
 Discuss objectives and expectations with Morgue Radiology Team Lead
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Check in with Morgue Radiology Team Lead
 Receive briefing from Morgue Radiology staff from previous operational period
 Communicate resource and staff needs to Morgue Radiology Team Lead
 X-ray human remains
 Full body radiographs will be taken when possible.
 The remains should be positioned so that standard and conventional views
are obtained for ease of comparison with ante mortem films.
 When dealing with fragmented remains, this may require the assistance of the
 Each radiograph is inputted in the computer using the MFI number.
 All films are reviewed for proper exposure and correct labeling before being
sent to PACS.
 Any findings of evidentiary material or potential markers for identification are
to be brought to the attention of the pathologist or anthropologist.
 Additional radiographs may be necessary after ante mortem films are
obtained for comparison.
 If radiographic analysis reveals probable comingling, the MFI number is
returned to triage for sorting and assignment of additional MFI numbers.
 Staff at the radiology station consists of a minimum of one x-ray technician. If
staffing permits, a second technician or anthropologist would be preferable.
 It is important to note that because radiology precedes DNA extraction, care
must be taken to sterilize all surfaces on which specimens are placed in order
to remove any risk of cross contamination
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 Ensure all documentation, radiography and paperwork are properly filed and
 Brief incoming Morgue Radiology staff
 Provide all documentation developed to incoming Radiology staff, with a copy for
Morgue Radiology Team Lead
 Check out with Morgue Radiology Team Lead
DEACTIVATION PHASE:
 Ensure all human remains arriving at the morgue have been x-rayed as
necessary
 Ensure all human remains that have yet to be x-rayed are transitioned to the care
of Coroner’s Office
 Ensure transition of other outstanding issues to Morgue Radiological Team Lead
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N.25 - Morgue Dental Team Leader Job Action Sheet
REPORTS TO:
POSITIONS REPORTING TO MORGUE DENTAL TEAM LEADER:
 Morgue Dental Staff
 Oversee dental examination; examine human remains as needed
 Take dental x-rays and examine dental remains
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
responding staff
 Reporting time
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Receive briefing from Morgue Dental Team Lead from previous operational
period
 Update action plan document as needed based on lessons learned during
operations
 Check in with Morgue Dental staff to provide assistance as needed
 Cleaning the remains to facilitate charting and radiography. Craniofacial
dissection should be avoided unless absolutely necessary to facilitate dental
examination and then only with approval of the pathologist. If dissected out,
dental remains are placed in a properly identified container and returned to the
remains after processing
 Take dental x-rays
 Visual examination and charting. All dental structures and restorations are
charted utilizing the universal numbering system (#1-#32). Data should be
entered directly into the postmortem database, if available. If unavailable,
data should be recorded on the Chatham County Coroner Postmortem Dental
Examination Record.
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 When returned to storage, all dental remains should be separated and stored
in containers labeled with the MFI or case number. Separate storage allows
the remains to be easily retrieved for further dental examination and/or
comparison if necessary.
Examine dental human remains
staying hydrated
Ensure all documentation, radiography and paperwork are properly filed and
Brief the incoming Morgue Dental Team Lead
Provide all documentation developed to incoming Morgue Dental Team Lead,
with a copy for Morgue Data Collection Unit Lead
DEACTIVATION PHASE:
necessary
Lead
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N.26 - Morgue Dental Staff Job Action Sheet
REPORTS TO:
 Morgue Dental Team Lead
POSITIONS REPORTING TO THE MORGUE DENTAL STAFF:
 Not applicable
 Examine human remains.
 Take dental x-rays and examine dental remains
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
 Request additional supplies from Morgue Dental Team Lead if needed
 Discuss objectives and expectations with Morgue Dental Team Lead
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Check in with Morgue Dental Team Lead
 Receive briefing from Morgue Dental staff from previous operational period
 Communicate resource and staff needs to Morgue Dental Team Lead
 Cleaning the remains to facilitate charting and radiography. Craniofacial
dissection should be avoided unless absolutely necessary to facilitate dental
examination and then only with approval of the pathologist. If dissected out,
dental remains are placed in a properly identified container and returned to the
remains after processing
 Take dental x-rays
 Visual examination and charting. All dental structures and restorations are
charted utilizing the universal numbering system (#1-#32). Data should be
entered directly into the postmortem database, if available. If unavailable,
data should be recorded on the Chatham County Coroner Postmortem Dental
Examination Record.
 When returned to storage, all dental remains should be separated and stored
in containers labeled with the MFI or case number. Separate storage allows
the remains to be easily retrieved for further dental examination and/or
comparison if necessary.
 Examine dental remains
 Ensure all documentation, radiography and paperwork are properly filed and
 Brief incoming Morgue Dental staff
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 Provide all documentation developed to incoming Morgue Dental staff, with a
copy for Morgue Dental Team Lead
 Check out with Morgue Dental Team Lead
DEACTIVATION PHASE:
 Ensure all dental human remains arriving at the morgue have been x-rayed as
necessary
 Ensure all dental human remains that have yet to be x-rayed are transitioned to
 Ensure transition of other outstanding issues to Morgue Dental Team Lead
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N.27 - Morgue DNA Team Leader Job Action Sheet
REPORTS TO:
POSITIONS REPORTING TO MORGUE DNA TEAM LEADER:
 Morgue DNA Staff
 Oversee DNA extraction and conduct DNA extraction as needed.
 Extract DNA to aid in identification
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
responding staff
 Reporting time
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Receive briefing from Morgue DNA Team Lead from previous operational period
 Check in with Morgue DNA staff to provide assistance as needed
 Extract DNA
 Staff collecting the samples must record and verify the sample description,
ensure that the sample is clearly labeled with an MFI number, ensure proper
storage of the sample and maintain chain of evidence.
 It may be necessary to request that staff involved in DNA collection provide a
DNA reference sample for exclusionary purposes.
 All precautions will be taken to minimize contamination of samples.
 Preferred samples from human remains include:
o Blood
o Soft Tissue
o Bone marrow (extraction per Chatham County Coroner protocol outlined
in the autopsy manual)
o Deep red skeletal muscle
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o Organ tissue
o Skin
o Hard Tissue
o Bone
o Teeth
 Positive identification by DNA analysis is often cost and time prohibitive. All
effort should be made to establish identification of bodies and body parts by
other means before reliance on DNA.
 Staffing of the DNA station includes a minimum of one clean individual for
logging specimens and one gloved for doing the extraction.
Prepare DNA for shipment and processing
staying hydrated
Brief the incoming Morgue DNA Team Lead
Provide all documentation developed to incoming Morgue DNA Team Lead, with
a copy for Morgue Data Collection Unit Lead
DEACTIVATION PHASE:
 Ensure all human remains arriving at the morgue have had DNA taken as
necessary
 Ensure all human remains that have yet to have DNA taken are transitioned to
Lead
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N.28 - Morgue DNA Staff Job Action Sheet
REPORTS TO:
 Morgue DNA Team Lead
POSITIONS REPORTING TO THE MORGUE DNA STAFF:
 Not applicable
 Conduct DNA extraction
 Take and process DNA
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
 Request additional supplies from Morgue DNA Team Lead if needed
 Discuss objectives and expectations with Morgue DNA Team Lead
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Check in with Morgue DNA Team Lead
 Receive briefing from Morgue DNA staff from previous operational period
 Communicate resource and staff needs to Morgue DNA Team Lead
 Extract DNA
 Staff collecting the samples must record and verify the sample description,
ensure that the sample is clearly labeled with an MFI number, ensure proper
storage of the sample and maintain chain of evidence.
 It may be necessary to request that staff involved in DNA collection provide a
DNA reference sample for exclusionary purposes.
 All precautions will be taken to minimize contamination of samples.
 Preferred samples from human remains include:
o Blood
o Soft Tissue
o Bone marrow (extraction per Chatham County Coroner protocol outlined
in the autopsy manual)
o Deep red skeletal muscle
o Organ tissue
o Skin
o Hard Tissue
o Bone
o Teeth
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 Positive identification by DNA analysis is often cost and time prohibitive. All
effort should be made to establish identification of bodies and body parts by
other means before reliance on DNA.
 Staffing of the DNA station includes a minimum of one clean individual for
logging specimens and one gloved for doing the extraction.
 Prepare DNA for shipment and processing
DEACTIVATION PHASE:
 Ensure all human remains arriving at the morgue have had DNA extracted as
necessary
 Ensure all human remains that have yet to have DNA extracted are transitioned
to the care of Coroner’s Office
 Ensure transition of other outstanding issues to Morgue DNA Team Lead
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N.29 - Morgue Fingerprint Team Leader Job Action Sheet
REPORTS TO:
POSITIONS REPORTING TO MORGUE FINGERPRINT TEAM LEADER:
 Morgue Fingerprint Staff
 Oversee fingerprinting and conduct fingerprinting as needed
 Fingerprint relevant human remains to identify
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
responding staff
 Reporting time
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Receive briefing from Morgue Fingerprint Team Lead from previous operational
period
 Update Action Plan document as needed based on lessons learned during
operations
 Check in with Morgue Fingerprint staff to provide assistance as needed
 Take fingerprints
 Prepare fingerprint sheets for processing
staying hydrated
 Brief the incoming Morgue Fingerprint Team Lead
 Provide all documentation developed to incoming Morgue Fingerprint Team
Lead, with a copy for Morgue Data Collection Unit Lead
 Check out with Morgue Data Collection Unit Lead
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DEACTIVATION PHASE:
 Ensure all human remains arriving at the morgue have had fingerprints taken as
necessary
 Ensure all human remains that have yet to have fingerprints taken are
Lead
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N.30 - Morgue Fingerprint Staff Job Action Sheet
REPORTS TO:
 Morgue Fingerprint Team Lead
POSITIONS REPORTING TO MORGUE FINGERPRINT STAFF:
 Not applicable
 Conduct fingerprinting
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
 Request additional supplies from Morgue Fingerprint Team Lead if needed
 Discuss objectives and expectations with Morgue Fingerprint Team Lead
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Check in with Morgue Fingerprint Team Lead
 Receive briefing from Morgue Fingerprint staff from previous operational period
 Communicate resource and staff needs to Morgue Fingerprint Team Lead
 Prepare fingerprint sheets for processing
 Brief the incoming Morgue Fingerprint staff
 Provide all documentation developed to incoming Morgue Fingerprint staff, with a
copy for Morgue Fingerprint Team Lead
 Check out with Morgue Fingerprint Team Lead
DEACTIVATION PHASE:
 Ensure all human remains arriving at the morgue have had fingerprints taken as
necessary
 Ensure all human remains that have yet to have fingerprints taken are
 Ensure transition of other outstanding issues to Morgue Fingerprint Team Lead
IV-99
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N.31 - Morgue Information Processing and Disposition Group
Supervisor Job Action Sheet
REPORTS TO:
 Morgue Operations Section Chief
POSITIONS REPORTING TO MORGUE INFORMATION PROCESSING AND
DISPOSITION GROUP SUPERVISOR JOB:
 Information Processing and Disposition Group Deputy Supervisor
 Evidence / Property Unit Lead
 Identification Unit Lead
 Information Systems Unit Lead
 Certification / Disposition Unit Lead
 Oversee identification and disposition tasks
 Ensure that evidence and property are properly logged and secured
 Ensure that postmortem and ante mortem data is shared with Identification Unit
to assist in identification of decedents
 Oversee management of IT systems within morgue operations
 Oversee the certification and disposition process of decedents
 Maintain communication with relevant teams and groups from the FAC
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
 Provide input on potential staff for information processing and disposition
 Work with Morgue Operations Section Chief to provide activation information to
responding staff
 Reporting time
 Discuss objectives and expectations with Morgue Operations Section Chief
 Request additional supplies from Morgue Operations Section Chief
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Check in with Morgue Operations Section Chief
 Receive briefing from Morgue Information Processing and Disposition Group
Supervisor from previous operational period
 Communicate resource and staff needs to Morgue Operations Section Chief
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 Oversee identification process
 Conduct a final review of the methods of identification
 Physically examine the remains to ensure that the remains match the
biological attributes of the deceased (based on the ante-mortem
information)
 Ensure that the numbers associated with each remain are accounted for
 Sign and date the form indicating that the remains have been reviewed for
final identification and place it in the Disaster Victim Packet.
 If next of kin/legal authority authorized after care and it is provided at the
incident morgue, route to the After Care Station.
 Return completed JIC form to Morgue Operations Section Chief
remains uninhibited
staying hydrated
 Brief the incoming Information Processing and Disposition Group Supervisor
 Provide all documentation developed to incoming Morgue Information Processing
and Disposition Group Supervisor, with a copy for Morgue Operations Section
Chief
 Check out with Morgue Operations Section Chief
secured
DEACTIVATION PHASE:
are accounted for and transitioned to the care of Coroner’s Office
 Ensure transition of other outstanding issues to Morgue Operations Section Chief
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N.32 - Morgue Information Processing and Disposition Group
Deputy Supervisor Job Action Sheet
REPORTS TO:
 Morgue Information Processing and Disposition Group Supervisor
POSITIONS REPORTING TO MORGUE INFORMATION PROCESSING AND
DISPOSTION GROUP DEPUTY SUPERVISOR:
 As assigned by supervisor
 Oversee identification and disposition tasks
 Assist in ensuring that evidence and property are properly logged and secured
 Assist in ensuring that postmortem and ante mortem data is shared with
Identification Unit to assist in identification of decedents
 Help oversee management of IT systems within morgue operations
 Help oversee the certification and disposition process of decedents
 Maintain communication with relevant teams and groups from the FAC
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
 Provide input on potential staff for information processing and disposition
 Work with Morgue Information Processing and Disposition Group Supervisor to
 Reporting time
 Discuss objectives and expectations with Morgue Information Processing and
Disposition Group Supervisor
 Request additional supplies from Morgue Information Processing and Disposition
Group Supervisor
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Check in with Morgue Information Processing and Disposition Group Supervisor
 Receive briefing from Morgue Information Processing and Disposition Group
Deputy Supervisor from previous operational period
 Communicate resource and staff needs to Morgue Information Processing and
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 Oversee identification process
 Conduct a final review of the methods of identification
 Physically examine the remains to ensure that the remains match the
biological attributes of the deceased (based on the ante-mortem information)
 Ensure that the numbers associated with each remain are accounted for
 Sign and date the form indicating that the remains have been reviewed for
final identification and place it in the Disaster Victim Packet.
 If next of kin/legal authority authorized after care and it is provided at the
incident morgue, route to the After Care Section.
 Return completed JIC form to Morgue Information Processing and Disposition
Group Supervisor
remains uninhibited
staying hydrated
 Brief the incoming Morgue Information Processing and Disposition Group
Supervisor
 Provide all documentation developed to incoming Morgue Information Processing
and Disposition Group Supervisor, with a copy for Morgue Information
Processing and Disposition Group Supervisor
 Check out with Morgue Information Processing and Disposition Group Supervisor
secured
DEACTIVATION PHASE:
 Ensure transition of other outstanding issues to Morgue Information Processing
and Disposition Group Supervisor
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N.33 - Morgue Evidence / Property Unit Leader Job Action
Sheet
REPORTS TO:
POSITIONS REPORTING TO MORGUE EVIDENCE/PROPERTY UNIT LEADER:
 Morgue Evidence / Property Unit Staff
 Oversee the cataloguing and storage of evidence and property.
 Take control of all evidence and property removed from incident scene
 Ensure proper documentation of all evidence and property
 Secure all evidence and property
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
 Reporting time
Group Supervisor
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Receive briefing from Morgue Evidence / Property Unit Lead from previous
operational period
 Check in with Morgue Evidence / Property Unit staff to provide assistance as
needed
 Take control of evidence and property arriving from scene
 The Chatham County Coroner will safeguard the valuables and property of
decedents to ensure proper processing and eventual return to the legal next of
kin. All evidence on or associated with remains will be collected, inventoried and
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released to the appropriate law enforcement agency. To that end, Chatham
County Coroner will:
 Photograph all items of property and evidence with the MFI number visible
in the photograph
 Collect personal effects and inventory them on a Chatham County
Coroner Property Record form. Effects are stored in a bag labeled with the
MFI number and secured in the property safe.
 Collect all evidentiary items and inventory them on a Chatham County
Coroner Evidence Record form. Evidence is stored in a container (bag or
box) labeled with the MFI number in the evidence room
 Clean effects, when possible (i.e. jewelry), prior to release to NOK and if
necessary use the effects to help establish positive identification.
 Staff members at the property/evidence station include a minimum of one
clean individual to handle logging and one gloved to handle the evidence
and property.
Log all evidence and property
Store all evidence and property securely
Release evidence and property to law enforcement or families as appropriate
staying hydrated
Brief the incoming Morgue Evidence / Property Team Lead
Provide all documentation developed to incoming Morgue Evidence / Property
Unit Lead, with a copy for Morgue Information Processing and Disposition Group
Supervisor
Check out with Morgue Information Processing and Disposition Group Supervisor
DEACTIVATION PHASE:
 Ensure all property and evidence received at morgue have been accounted for
and secured
 Ensure all property and evidence still in transit / in the field are transitioned to the
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N.34 - Morgue Evidence / Property Staff Job Action Sheet
REPORTS TO:
 Morgue Evidence / Property Unit Lead
POSITIONS REPORTING TO THE MORGUE EVIDENCE/PROPERTY STAFF:
 Not applicable
 Catalogue and store evidence and property
 Take control of all evidence and property removed from incident scene
 Ensure proper documentation of all evidence and property
 Secure all evidence and property
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
 Request additional supplies from Morgue Evidence / Property Unit Lead if
needed
 Discuss objectives and expectations with Morgue Evidence / Property Unit Lead
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Check in with Morgue Evidence / Property Unit Lead
 Receive briefing from Morgue Evidence / Property Unit staff from previous
operational period
 Communicate resource and staff needs to Morgue Evidence / Property Unit Lead
 Take control of evidence and property arriving from scene
 The Chatham County Coroner will safeguard the valuables and property of
decedents to ensure proper processing and eventual return to the legal next of
kin. All evidence on or associated with remains will be collected, inventoried and
released to the appropriate law enforcement agency. To that end, Chatham
County Coroner will:
 Photograph all items of property and evidence with the MFI number visible in
the photograph
 Collect personal effects and inventory them on a Chatham County Coroner
Property Record form. Effects are stored in a bag labeled with the MFI
number and secured in the property safe.
 Collect all evidentiary items and inventory them on a Chatham County
Coroner Evidence Record form. Evidence is stored in a container (bag or box)
labeled with the MFI number in the evidence room
 Clean effects, when possible (i.e. jewelry), prior to release to NOK and if
necessary use the effects to help establish positive identification.
 Staff members at the property/evidence station include a minimum of one clean
individual to handle logging and one gloved to handle the evidence and property.
 Log all evidence and property
 Store all evidence and property securely
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 Release evidence and property to law enforcement or families as appropriate
 Brief the incoming Morgue Evidence / Property staff
 Provide all documentation developed to incoming Morgue Evidence / Property
staff, with a copy for Morgue Evidence / Property Unit lead
 Check out with Morgue Evidence / Property Unit lead
DEACTIVATION PHASE:
 Ensure all property and evidence received at morgue have been accounted for
and secured
 Ensure all property and evidence still in transit / in the field are transitioned to the
 Ensure transition of other outstanding issues to Morgue Evidence / Property Unit
Lead
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N.35 - Death Certificate and Disposition Unit Leader Job
Action Sheet
REPORTS TO:
POSITIONS REPORTING TO DEATH CERTIFICATE AND DISPOSITION UNIT
LEADER:
 Death Certificate Issuing Staff
 Oversee the issuing of death certificates.
 Manage the completion and issuing of death certificates
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
 Reporting time
Group Supervisor
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Receive briefing from Death Certificate and Disposition Unit Lead from previous
operational period
 Check in with Death Certificate Issuing staff to provide assistance as needed
 Work with family members via the FAC to complete death certificates
 Issue completed death certificate to family
staying hydrated
 Brief the incoming Death Certificate and Disposition Unit Lead
 Provide all documentation developed to incoming Death Certificate Unit Lead,
with a copy for Morgue Information Processing and Disposition Group Supervisor
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DEACTIVATION PHASE:
 Ensure death certificates are issued for all identified victims
 Ensure all victims without issued death certificates are transitioned to the care of
Coroner’s Office
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N.36 - Death Certificate Issuing Staff Job Action Sheet
REPORTS TO:
 Death Certificate and Disposition Unit Lead
POSITIONS REPORTING TO THE DEATH CERTIFICATE ISSUING STAFF:
 Not applicable
 Issue death certificates
 Complete and issue death certificates
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
 Request additional supplies from Death Certificate and Disposition Unit Lead if
needed
 Discuss objectives and expectations with Death Certificate and Disposition Unit
Lead
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Check in with Death Certificate and Disposition Unit Lead
 Receive briefing from Death Certificate Issuing staff from previous operational
period
 Communicate resource and staff needs to Death Certificate and Disposition Unit
Lead
 Work with family members via the FAC to complete death certificates
 Issue completed death certificate to family
 Brief the incoming Death Certificate Issuing staff
 Provide all documentation developed to incoming Death Certificate issuing staff,
with a copy for Death Certificate Unit Lead
 Check out with Death Certificate Unit Lead
DEACTIVATION PHASE:
 Ensure death certificates are issued for all identified victims
 Ensure all victims without issued death certificates are transitioned to the care of
Coroner’s Office
 Ensure transition of other outstanding issues to Death Certificate and Disposition
Unit Lead
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N.37 - Information Systems Unit Leader Job Action Sheet
REPORTS TO: Morgue Information Processing and Disposition Group Supervisor
POSITIONS REPORTING TO THE INFORMATION SYSTEMS UNIT LEADER:
 Information Systems Staff
 Oversee technology issues related to death investigation and morgue operations.
 Manage technology needs
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
 Reporting time
Group Supervisor
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Receive briefing from Information Systems Unit Lead from previous operational
period
 Check in with Information Systems staff to provide assistance as needed
 Provide technology instruction and assistance to morgue staff
staying hydrated
 Brief the incoming Information Systems Unit Lead
 Provide all documentation developed to incoming Information Systems Unit
Lead, with a copy for Morgue Information Processing and Disposition Group
Supervisor
DEACTIVATION PHASE:
 Ensure all technology is accounted for and put away
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N.38 - Information Systems Staff Job Action Sheet
REPORTS TO: Information Systems Unit Lead
POSITIONS REPORTING TO THE INFORMATION SYSTEMS STAFF:
 Not applicable
 Provide technology support to death investigators and morgue staff.
 Manage technology needs
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
 Request additional supplies from Information Systems Unit Lead if needed
 Discuss objectives and expectations with Information Systems Unit Lead
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Check in with Information Systems Unit Lead
 Receive briefing from Information Systems staff from previous operational period
 Communicate resource and staff needs to Information Systems Unit Lead
 Provide technology instruction and assistance to morgue staff
 Brief the incoming Information Systems staff
 Provide all documentation developed to incoming Information Systems staff, with
a copy for Information Systems Unit Lead
 Check out with Information Systems Unit Lead
DEACTIVATION PHASE:
 Ensure all technology is accounted for and put away
 Ensure transition of other outstanding issues to Information Systems Unit Lead
IV-115
IV-116
N.39 - Identification Unit Leader Job Action Sheet
REPORTS TO: Morgue Information Processing and Disposition Group Supervisor
POSITONS REPORTING TO THE IDENTIFICATION UNIT LEADER:
 Identification Staff
 Oversee the comparison of postmortem and ante mortem data to aid in
identifying human remains.
 Manage data comparison process
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan

Reporting time

Travel instructions

Any special instructions
Group Supervisor if needed
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Receive briefing from Identification staff from previous operational period
 Check in with Identification staff to provide assistance as needed
 Oversee comparison process
 Perform quality checks on identifications
 Communicate positive identification to FAC for notification of next of kin
staying hydrated
 Brief the incoming Identification Unit Lead
IV-117
 Provide all documentation developed to incoming Identification Unit Lead, with a
copy for Morgue Information Processing and Disposition Group Supervisor
DEACTIVATION PHASE:
 Ensure all information has been entered to assist in identification process
 Document all outstanding data and comparison issues
IV-118
N.40 - Identification Staff Job Action Sheet
REPORTS TO: Identification Unit Lead
POSITIONS REPORTING TO THE IDENTIFICATION STAFF:
 Not applicable
 Compare data to aid in identifying human remains.
 Compare ante mortem and postmortem data to identify human remains
ACTIVATION PHASE:
Management Plan
 Request additional supplies from Identification Unit Lead if needed
 Discuss objectives and expectations with Morgue Disposition Group Supervisor
(or Deputy Supervisor, if activated)
OPERATIONAL PHASE:
 Check in with Identification Unit Lead
 Receive briefing from Identification staff from previous operational period
 Communicate resource and staff needs to Identification Unit Lead
 Compare ante mortem and postmortem data
 Provide information on positively identified remains to Identification Unit Lead
 Brief the incoming Identification staff
 Provide all documentation developed to incoming Identification staff, with a copy
for Identification Unit Lead
 Check out with Identification Unit Lead
DEACTIVATION PHASE:
 Ensure all information has been entered to assist in identification process
 Document all outstanding data and comparison issues
 Ensure transition of other outstanding issues to Identification Unit Lead
IV-119
IV-120
TAB O: FORMS AND CHARTS
IV-121
IV-122
IV-123
IV-124
IV-125
IV-126
IV-127
IV-128
IV-129
IV-130
IV-131
IV-132
IV-133
IV-134
IV-135
IV-136
IV-137
IV-138
IV-139

appendix iv: morgue services tab a: morgue services organization

Transcription

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