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MASS-FATALITY MANAGEMENT dent. The normal procedures associated with these operations need to be under- stood to “scale up” to a mass-fatality incident. For example, as previously mentioned, law enforcement, coroner/ medical examiner, EMS, funeral direc- tors and public health officials may all have a role and should be included in the “how” step. WHY DO WE DO IT? What are the public’s expectations of how you handle human remains and deceased persons? What cultural and religious beliefs need to be considered? How likely are these to impact your community? Included in this step is research and identification of any laws or regulations that are relevant to addressing deceased persons. What laws or regulations govern the handling and transportation of human remains and deceased persons? For example, the Code of Maryland Regulations Article 10.03.01.05 indi- cates that, “Human remains may not be transported within the state or moved from the state without a burial-transit permit.” Under what circumstances can this permit requirement be suspended? Who has that authority? Can EMS units be used to address this need? Should they be used to address this need? WHO WILL BE RESPONDING TO A MASS-FATALITY INCIDENT? This question includes which govern- mental as well as non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will be involved. What triggers will cause them to become involved (e.g., will public health be the lead for an infectious disease incident?)? What resources do they bring? WHEN DO AGENCIES RESPOND TO DECEASED PERSONS? What are the triggers that engage other organizations? FEMA has the capability to set up temporary morgues like the Carville Victim Identification Center pictured above, which was used to house Hurricane Katrina victims. WHAT IS THE PROCESS BY WHICH A SINGLE FATALITY IS ADDRESSED BY THESE AGENCIES? What resources are brought to bear in this process? What are the likely short- falls? These can include staffing, training, equipment and transportation, as well as other potential issues. What bottlenecks will interrupt or derail the process? Once you have established how this operation functions for one JSA-365 Plastic Backboard JSA-365 JSA-365 Rugged one piece lightweight polyethylene spineboard with twelve large hand holes for easy handling and built in runners. It has a low profile and is X-ray translucent. The Model JSA-365-S Plastic Backboard with speed clip pins is also available. PROUDLY MANUFACTURED IN THE USA Specifications Dimensions: 72" L x 16" W Load Capacity: 400 lbs. Shipping Weight: 16 lbs. Color: Bright Yellow 888-458-6546 3121 Millers Lane Louisville, KY 40216 Tel: 502-775-8303 Fax: 502-772-0548 For More Information Circle 32 on Reader Service Card SAFE T Y APPLIANCE COMPAN Y www.junkinsafety.com For More Information Circle 33 on Reader Service Card EMSWORLD.com | JULY 2011 53 FEMA