Home Health response in emergencies and disasters 6. Mass casualty management 6.3. Management of dead bodies

Continuation of 6.3.

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6.3.7. Support for family members and relatives

From a mental health standpoint, it is fundamental to show support, consideration, and respect for the dead and for mourners, who require information about their missing loved ones. It is important that they receive honest and accurate information and know, for example, what they can expect from the process, what methods are being used, and the timeframes set for recovery and identification. Avoid giving out hasty information based on early findings, since this can prove erroneous.

Other types of support include:

  • Setting up a local area that facilitates family reunions and assistance to relatives.
  • The relatives of victims should be the first to receive information on the finding and identification of their loved ones.
  • The need, on the part of relatives to see the bodies of their loved ones should be respected as a part of the mourning process. Avoid children participating in the visual identification of bodies.
  • Identification and delivery of bodies to close family members should be carried out as soon as possible.

It is also important to maintain awareness of respect for cultural and religious beliefs and practices (see page 84).

  • The advice and the assistance of religious and community leaders should be sought in order to improve comprehension and acceptance of the process of recovering, handling, and identifying bodies.
  • Bodies should be handled and disposed of respectfully and with unflagging respect for the dignity of the human being that was. Workers’ handling of bodies should be careful and ethical all the way through the final disposal stage, and religious and cultural sensitivies should be respected.

Psychosocial support (see page 109) services appropriate to the needs, culture, and context should be obtained, with consideration for local customs, as follows:

  • Channel psychosocial emergency support mainly through local community organizations, NGOs, and relief bodies such as the Red Cross and religious groups.
  • Unaccompanied children and members of other vulnerable groups should receive priority attention.
  • Material support may be needed to complete funeral rites (procurement of shrouds, coffins, etc.).
  • Establish support services to handle legal and administrative formalities such as obtaining death certificates, permission for burial, etc.

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