NCJ Number
187173
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 46 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2001 Pages: 74-79
Date Published
January 2001
Length
6 pages
Annotation
In order to provide a prepared team of dental members, a mock disaster exercise (Operation: DENT-ID) is conducted annually in Vancouver, Canada; the current study analyzes the effectiveness of this exercise in relation to team organization, assessment of preparedness, and the emotional and psychological issues.
Abstract
In order to determine the success of the exercise, several methods were used. Data were collected during the mock scenario and immediately following the conclusion of the exercise. Collection methods included structured questionnaires and semistructured interviews with key team members and participants. Observation of participants was conducted during the exercise to examine the team dynamics. Data were collected from the results of the questionnaires and analyzed with information obtained from group observations and the semistructured interviews. Interviews were conducted with each of the three team leaders, representatives from the Coroners Service involved in the Provincial disaster plan, and the guest speaker who had participated in a disaster involving a plane crash at sea. The study identified areas of weakness that should be addressed. One of the most pivotal areas of weakness was that of willingness to leave the work space and support the identification effort. The second area of weakness pertained to the psychological issues. The preparedness data, in conjunction with interviews, showed that the participants felt this area deserved more attention. It is clear that more attention must be given to the psychological aspects of mass disaster preparedness. The presence of actors who exhibit signs of posttraumatic stress disorder within teams and a psychologist trained in this area may help address this. 4 tables, 2 figures, and 19 references