Identification methods in mass disasters

Abstract

Different numbers of people are affected in mass disasters. Identification of the disaster victims is a very important issue. For an accurate identification process, good and fast management of this process is of great importance. Identification of the victims includes investigating the disaster field, autopsy and following that post mortem data collection, ante-mortem data collection, and comparison of collected data. If these steps can be applied properly, identification of victims will be completed successfully. There are different techniques for victim identification in mass disasters and these methods can be divided into two categories as primary identification methods and secondary identification methods. Primary identification methods are more reliable than secondary identification methods. Fingerprint analysis, DNA analysis, medical records of the victims & physical examination and dental examination are primary identification methods. Visual identification and determination of personal belongings of the disaster victims are secondary identification methods. In the light of these methods, the identification process will be completed with an accurate evaluation.