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Mortuary

At this time I have not decided how much detail it is advisable to publish.
The following guidelines are simple.


Mortuary work should usually only be attempted by a trained team.
The guidelines below leave many things unsaid.


Treat all bodies and parts of bodies with dignity.

Do not assume that two parts of body in the same Body Bag are linked.
The recovery crew at the scene are working in poor conditions and may be untrained.

Do not assume that any property on, under, or next to a body in the bag is linked to the body.
Mention the closeness or location of the find but do not base identification on this alone.
(Even thieves and pickpockets are victims of disaster.)

Every body or body part should be given a different number. Make sure that each team is using numbers that do not clash.

Remember the safety of the mortuary crew.

Treat all body fluids as contaminated

Bodies are heavy and awkward
make sure the crew has training in lifting
make sure the team is large enough - minimum 4 per body
make sure the team are rested and have enough water
supervisor to check for injuries, excess stress

Photograph everything.
Write down everything.

Read through UK Home Office : Dealing with fatalities
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/epd/publications/fatalities.pdf

 

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