The coroner's role in mass disaster.
This paper deals with the various phases of a mass disaster investigation from the Coroner's point of view. The phases are described under the headings of: Phase 1: Recovery from the scene. Phase 2: Reception of the dead at the mortuary. Phase 3: Reception of relatives of the dead at the mortuary. Phase 4: Identification of the dead. Phase 5: Autopsy. Phase 6: Co-ordination and co-operation with other agencies. The setting up of a Casualty Bureau and a suggested plan for a temporary central facility is also discussed. The vital importance of some pre-planning is referred to, including the involvement of fingerprint officers, forensic odontologists, photography, safe custody of property.
D001344:Autopsy; D004190:Disasters; D005554:Forensic Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans