It has been found those committed to the death care industry are highly motivated to respond to work during MFIs, even during a pandemic event (Gershon, 2011). It is important to note that many mortuary science students, retirees, and former employees were willing to assist if they were needed (Gershon, 2011). This does not mean there are not concerns for these willing to support the efforts. Over one-third of respondents admitted they would be fearful for the safety of their family. The potential availability of an immunization against the influenza for their family considerably increased the willingness of respondents to report to work. calls to connect with the correct individual or department, but having a copy of the local plan is of utmost importance in preparing one’s firm. The most appropriate place to search for the plans should be with the local medical examiner or coroner’s office. As mentioned throughout this course, it is the ME/C that is the most typical jurisdiction that will initially declare an incident to require additional assistance. There are also rural areas which may not fall under the jurisdiction of a medical examiner or a coroner. In these areas, it may be the justice of the peace (JP) or another official who is responsible for certifying deaths within their jurisdiction. In these rural areas, and when the JP or other official is not aware of these plans, the sheriff’s office or other law enforcement agency may be an ideal starting point for locating any predetermined plans. Once the director obtains the plan, they should thoroughly read and review it to help understand where local death care industry members can contribute the most to the efforts. being referred to as an MFI, local officials and death care industry professionals can respond to the aftermath similarly to how they would respond to an MFI. In a rural area, law enforcement, fire departments, and funeral homes will likely be relied upon for coordinating the aftermath efforts, which can be greatly organized to the benefit of all involved by following the most basic of suggested actions learned from previous MFIs. A local funeral home can undertake the effort of coordinating plans, reviewing, and/or updating plans to be relied upon in a time of crisis. The more detailed the plans, the better. However, it is impossible to plan and prepare for every potential incident. Therefore, plans must allow for a certain amount of improvisation when needed. These plans should be created or reviewed mutually with the agencies and groups that may be relied upon if an incident occurs. The greater the continuity of planning, the greater the benefit to the victims and their loved ones. Even though an area may be small in population or size, this does not mean that a major MFI cannot occur. Plans should always be made that allow for scalable efforts. in the most dignified and respectful manners possible. The effective communication and coordination of the planned efforts is vital to properly serving the needs caused by an MFI. One last component to consider is those involved in the aftermath efforts. The safety, physical health, and behavioral health is important for the volunteers as it is for others. Tragic incidents of any size should not be multiplied with more tragedy.
largely reduce their risk. When asked if they would accept a pandemic vaccine, 93 percent said yes (Gershon, 2011). Respondents were asked to rate their level of preparedness in various areas. The areas in which most respondents reported preparations were in place were relationships established with other businesses, such as other funeral homes; contact lists of vendors/providers of essential supplies and services; and infection control protocols and policies in place. Inversely, the areas in which respondents felt their organizations were least prepared were in written continuity plans, written absenteeism policies, and written pandemic plans (Gershon, 2011). Necessary preparations Funeral directors and embalmers dedicate themselves and their lives to serving others, many times by sacrifice to their own time and health. Mass fatality incidents are most often sudden and without advance warning or time for preparation. Staff members and pre-selected members of organizations such as DMORT, and other emergency response teams, understand the requirement of little to no warning for deployment. This does not make the rapid deployment any easier, but it does give them the ability to prepare in advance for the potential quick response. When an MFI requires funeral service professionals to respond, they must be not only prepared, but willing to respond. Individual members of the death care industry, as well as individual funeral firms, can make preparations for potential MFIs. Although coordination and resources may be required from governmental and non-governmental agencies, certain steps are necessary to place a firm in a state of readiness. The first is to know and understand what plans and preparations are in place for a particular jurisdiction, as well as neighboring jurisdictions. It may take a few phone Local mass fatality incidents The references to mass fatality incidents within this course have primarily referred to large numbers of fatalities from a single event or a single series of events. The number of deaths required to result in the use of plans is relative to the geographic location, the circumstances of the events, and those involved. A great number of deaths aren’t necessary to justify using the plans designed for such events. Plans should be designed so they can be scaled to properly serve the situation at hand. If an area has a lower populous than a major metropolitan area, and has an event that results in a few deaths, the plan may be in excess of the normal response capabilities. It is important to remember that an MFI is defined as a situation in which the number of deaths exceeds the local jurisdiction’s response capabilities (Merrill, 2015). For illustrative purposes, consider a small town in a rural area. An area such as this may be most accustomed to traditional natural deaths of citizens and occasional accidental deaths. If an event takes place that results in even a few deaths, this may be considered a mass fatality incident for that area. Even if the situation does not warrant an event Conclusion MFIs can occur anywhere in the world, regardless of the country, population, or customs. There have been many instances in history which the remains of victims were not treated with the respect and dignity that the world as witness would expect. Funeral service professionals have dedicated their professional lives to serving others. When an MFI occurs, this service extends to the victims, their families, their friends, and the community. Having the appropriate plans in place is key to successfully serving these groups
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Book Code: FNJ0524
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