Additional arrangements for contaminated fatalities

Summary

This page outlines the procedures and considerations for managing contaminated fatalities in civil emergencies, particularly incidents involving chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) materials. It emphasizes the importance of recovery operations that maintain the integrity of crime scenes while ensuring the safety of responders. It highlights the need for collaboration among various agencies, including health authorities and local authorities, to manage complex scenes effectively and address the health risks associated with contamination. The guidance provides that all recovery efforts should prioritize the dignity and respect of the deceased and consider the needs of bereaved families during the disaster victim identification (DVI) process.

Key principles

• 1Body recovery in contaminated environments must involve trained personnel.
• 2CBRN DVI personnel should perform scene assessments and recovery.
• 3Health and safety risks must be controlled during operations.
• 4Contaminated fatalities should be handled sensitively and safely.
• 5Family needs should be considered in the DVI process.

Defined terms

CBRN

Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear materials or weapons.

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)

The agency responsible for public health advice regarding non-criminal CBRN incidents.

HAZMAT

Hazardous materials that may pose risks in certain incident situations.