NCJ Number
193174
Date Published
November 2001
Length
46 pages
Annotation
This report assists emergency managers, medical examiners, and coroners to better prepare for and respond to a mass fatality situation following a chemical weapon of mass destruction incident.
Abstract
The recommendations in this report are based on a comprehensive review of related literature, multiple workshops focused on various scenarios, and input from experts in chemical agent characteristics. Findings and conclusions are neither mandated nor required for State or local jurisdictions. Rather, they are intended to provide technical and operational guidance for communities and departments planning to respond to chemical weapons of mass destruction events. The chief task of the local medical examiner is to create an infrastructure so that when assets arrive they can backfill and support the operation. The medical examiner must know what assets are on hand, where to obtain other necessary assets, and how to effectively use those assets. To keep handlers safe, honor the dead, and return remains to family members, the medical examiner must process remains by phases and address critical variables that influence the operation. The report concludes that, with proper handling and decontamination, the majority of chemically contaminated fatalities can be safely returned to families for disposition. Only under extreme circumstances should involuntary cremation be necessary. Figure, appendixes, references