How can the process of identifying victims in mass casualty events be improved to prevent mistakes?

In mass casualty events like plane crashes, accurate identification of victims is crucial to provide closure for families and uphold ethical standards. Mistakes in this process can cause immense distress, as seen in the Ahmedabad incident. Improving identification protocols requires a mix of technological, procedural, and administrative measures.

• Use of Forensic Technology: Employ DNA profiling, dental records, and fingerprint analysis as standard procedures, especially when visual identification is difficult.
• Centralized Database: Create a centralized and secure database to store ante-mortem (before death) information such as medical records, dental charts, and DNA samples for quick cross-referencing.
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Develop and strictly implement SOPs for collecting, labeling, and transporting bodies and body parts to prevent mix-ups.
• Tagging and Tracking: Use tamper-proof tags with unique identification numbers, barcodes, or RFID chips for every body or body part from the site to the morgue and until handover to families.
• Multi-level Verification: Ensure every identification is cross-checked by at least two independent teams (forensic experts and administrative officials) before final confirmation.
• Family Involvement: Collect detailed ante-mortem data from families, including physical descriptions, personal effects, and photographs, to aid forensic matching.
• Proper Documentation: Maintain meticulous records at every stage, including chain-of-custody forms and photographic documentation.
• Training and Sensitization: Regularly train first responders, medical staff, and officials in disaster victim identification protocols and the importance of accuracy and empathy.
• International Best Practices: Adopt guidelines from organizations like INTERPOL’s Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) protocol, which provides a comprehensive framework for such situations.
• Audit and Review: Conduct periodic audits and mock drills to identify gaps in the process and ensure preparedness for real incidents.