title: Role of forensic pathologists in mass disasters.
abstract: The forensic pathologist has always had a central role in the identification of the dead in every day practice, in accidents, and in disasters involving hundreds or thousands of victims. This role has changed in recent years, as advances in forensic odontology, genetics and anthropology have improved the chances of identifying victims beyond recognition. According to the Interpol DVI Guide, fingerprints, dental examination and DNA are the primary identifiers, and this has given new emphasis to the role of the forensic pathologist as the leader of a multidisciplinary team of experts in a disaster situation, based on his or her qualifications and the experience gained from doing the same work in the everyday situation of an institute of forensic medicine.
authors.affiliation: Forensic Sciences Institute of National Gendarmerie, 1 blvd T. Sueur, 93110, Rosny-sous-Bois, France. Schuliar@yahoo.fr
authors.forename: Yves
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Schuliar
authors.forename: Peter Juel Thiis
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Knudsen
mesh_terms: D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D016172:DNA Fingerprinting; D004190:Disasters / Q000266:history; D005553:Forensic Dentistry; D049429:Forensic Pathology / Q000266:history / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D007857:Leadership; D054527:Mass Casualty Incidents; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D024382:Professional Role / Q000266:history; D011786:Quality Control