Hospital Disaster Preparedness

Mass Fatality Planning: Overview

In the event of a catastrophic emergencies, hospital morgues can quickly become overwhelmed, requiring activation of internal mass fatality plans.

Hospitals should prepare for the proper bagging and storage of deceased individuals, taking into account the need for appropriate spacing between bodies and ensuring correct identification and labeling. If a body is contaminated, specific procedures for bagging, handling, and labeling must be followed.

Additionally, the hospital’s mass fatality management plan should outline how families can receive information about viewing their loved ones. Hospitals must meticulously document the identification and tracking of deceased individuals and provide this information to authorities upon request.