Mass Fatality Incidents: A Guide for Forensic Identification

SPECIAL REPORT / JUNE 05Summary. The remains/evidence processingteams must properly document thecollection of all remains, personal effects,and evidence before removing them fromthe scene.V. Onscene Staging AreaPrinciple. The remains/evidence processingteams should use the onscene stagingarea for checking documentation, maintainingthe chain of custody, and conductingpotential triage functions. At this area,the remains/evidence processing teamscan add notes to aid personal identificationat the morgue (e.g., comments about tattoos,marks, and scars) and identify contentsof body bags (e.g., watches, bodyparts). The remains/evidence processingteams are responsible for closing and lockingbody bags at this point.Procedure. The remains/evidence processingteams are expected to—A. Establish a staging area proximate tothe incident scene that provides maximumsecurity from public and mediascrutiny and access (including a no-flyzone over the site).B. Remand evidence that is not requiredto accompany the remains to the mortuaryto the custody of the appropriateagency.C. Maintain the chain of custody of bodybags:1. Maintain a log of the body bags thatare transported from the stagingarea to the morgue.2. Record drivers’ names and thelicense numbers of vehicles.3. Record dates and times that allvehicles leave for the morgue.D. Maintain equipment and supplies atthe staging area. Inventory resourcesmay include:1. A large tent.2. Body/storage bags.3. Litters, gurneys, and stretchers forremains transport.4. Refrigeration vehicles.5. Emergency lighting.6. Sawhorses with plywood boardsfor makeshift examination tables.7. Tarpaulins or other screeningmaterials to create visual barriers.8. Decontamination control.9. Inventory control system.10. Equipment storage.11. Personal protective equipment.E. Notify the morgue when transport ofremains will begin.Summary. The remains/evidence processingteams are expected to maintain a securetriage area for initial examination of remainsand other evidence and to ensuresecure transport to the morgue. Stronglyconsider placing forensic identificationspecialists at the staging area, as initialevaluations at this point will dictate theefficiency of subsequent morgue operations.12