Management of dead bodies after disasters: a field manual for first responders

This manual has two broad aims: first, to promote the proper and dignified management of dead bodies, and second, to maximize their identification. Following disasters, implementing simple measures early on can significantly improve the opportunity for successful identification. However, after the majority of disasters the immediate management of human remains is done by local organizations and communities and not by specialist teams of national and international experts. Consequently this manual focuses on practical recommendations for non-specialists.