Dignified Management of the Dead from Humanitarian Forensic Odontology Perspective: A Need for the National and State Level Scientific Disaster Victim Identification Teams in India

Jayasankar P.  Pillai; Rajesh  Babu; Chintan  Pathak; Emilio  Nuzzolese

doi:10.18311/jfds/12/2/2020.616

Authors

Jayasankar P. Pillai Tutor, Department of Oral Pathology, Government Dental College and Hospital, Ahmedabad – 380016, Gujarat
Rajesh Babu Associate Professor, Institute of Forensic Sciences Gujarat Forensic Sciences, University Gandhinagar and Head, International Centre for Humanitarian Forensics (ICHF)
Chintan Pathak Assistant Professor-cum-Program Manager, Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management, Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Emilio Nuzzolese Forensic Odontologist and Professor of Legal Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences and Paediatrics, University of Turin, Turin

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18311/jfds/12/2/2020.616

Keywords:

Disaster Victim Identification, Dignified Management of the Dead, Humanitarian Forensic Odontology, Incident Response System, Sendai Framework

Abstract

Disasters are always unpredictable irrespective of their origin. The loss of human lives is a common outcome of disasters. Along with the physical and emotional trauma sustained by the victims, there is the additional responsibility of handling the deceased. Though there is an exclusive component with the management of the dead in place the specific issue about identifying them is still a complex process. Humanitarian forensics especially involves handling, identifying and disposing the dead bodies. It requires the application of the principles of forensic sciences in a multidisciplinary way. The role of forensic odontologists and anthropologists is not only restricted to the scientific collection of dental data from the dead body but also the proper utilization of the antemortem dental data to successfully establish the identity of the deceased, either alone or combined with secondary characteristics. Elaborate and comprehensive information with justification on the role of dental data and forensic odontologists in the dignified management of the dead need to be highlighted to the Disaster Management authorities. Several International organizations have pointed out the importance of odontology features in human identification. Moreover, forensic odontologists and general dentists are also involved in the international disaster victim identification teams. The present article provides basic knowledge on disaster risk management and the institutional framework in Disaster Management and also highlights the role of forensic odontology in disaster victim identification. It calls for national and state disaster victim identification teams with the involvement of forensic odontologists.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

References

Gaggioli G. International Humanitarian Law - The legal framework for humanitarian forensic action. Forensic Science International. 2018; 82:184–94. PMid: 29220672. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.10.035 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.10.035

Smolensky KR. Rights of the dead. Hofstra Law Rev. 2009; 37(3):763–803. http://scholarlycommons.law. hofstra.edu/ hlr/vol37/iss3/4

Nuzzolese E. Missing people, migrants, identification and human rights, J Forensic Odontostomatol. 2012; 30:47–59.

National Disaster Management Guidelines NDMA. Management of the Dead in the Aftermath of Disasters. A publication of the National Disaster Management Authority, Government of India. www.ndma.gov.in/guidelines/management-of-Dead-in-the aftermath-of disastrs.pdf

Interpol. Disaster victim identification guide. 2010. www.interpol.int/public/disastervictim/guide.asp. 2010 (accessed 2nd February 2019)

Sumathipala A, Siribaddana S, Perera C. Management of dead bodies as a component of psychosocial interventions after the tsunami: A view from Sri Lanka. International Review of Psychiatry. 2006; 18(3):249–57. PMid: 16753662. https://doi.org/10.1080/09540260600656100 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09540260600656100

Schuller-Gotzburg P, Suchanek J. Forensic odontologists successfully identify Tsunami victims in Phuket, Thailand. Forensic Science International. 2007; 171:204–7. PMid: 17029859. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2006.08.013 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2006.08.013

NPDM -National Policy on Disaster Management. A publication of the National Disaster Management Authority, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi. https://ndma.gov.in/images/guidelines/national-dm-policy2009.pdf 2009

NDMP- National Disaster Management Plan. A publication of the National Disaster Management Authority, Government of India, New Delhi. https://ndma.gov.in 2016

Noji EK. (ed) The public health consequences of disasters. USA: Oxford University Press; 1997.

UNDRR, DesInventar, Sendai Framework for disaster risk reduction. 2016. http://www.desinventar.net/definitions.html

Disaster Management in India, UNDP, GoI-UNDP Disaster Risk Reduction Programme 2009-2012. https://www.undp.org/content/dam/india/docs/disaster_management_in_ india.pdf

Sell TK, Gilles K. Radiological disasters: What’s the difference? Biosecurity and bioterrorism: Biodefense strategy, practice and science. 2012; 10(4):412–6. PMid: 23210834.https://doi.org/10.1089/bsp.2012.1026 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/bsp.2012.1026

National Disaster Management Authority. National Disaster Management Guidelines - Management of the Dead in the Aftermath of Disasters. 2010. https://ndma.gov.in/images/guidelines/management-of-Dead-in-theAftermath-of-Disasters.pdf

Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) - www.gsdma.org 17. Gujarat State Disaster Management Policy. GSDMA. 2002. www.gsdma.org

Gujarat State Disaster Management Act. GSDMA. 2003.www.gsdma.org

National Disaster Management Authority, NDMA India. https//ndma.gov.in

Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management-GIDM Training Module on ‘Dignified Management of the Dead. 2019. https://gidm.gujarat.gov.in

GIDM Training Module on Basics of DRM, GIDM. 2019. https://gidm.gujarat.gov.in/sites/default/files/concept_ note/Concept%20Note_34.pdf

International Centre for Humanitarian Forensics. 2018. www.nfsu.sc.in

International Committee of the Red Cross. www.icrc.org.

Stephens, Simpson. Joint Working Principles for Urban Search and Rescue Support to Police in Disaster Victim Identification. 2017.

Nuzzolese E, Di Vella G. Future project concerning Mass Disaster Management: A forensic odontology prospectus. International Dental Journal. 2007; 57(4):261–6. PMid: 17849685. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1875-595X.2007.tb00130.x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1875-595X.2007.tb00130.x

Lord Justice Clarke. Report of the public inquiry into the Identification of Victims following major Transport Accidents - Report of Lord Justice Clarke, London, UK, Stationary office. 2001.

Disaster Victim Identification – Authorized Professional Practice. www.app.college.police.uk

Ben Luck. London Resilience Partnership Mass Fatalities Framework. Version. 5, 2015. www.hsdl.org

Guidance on Dealing with Fatalities in Emergencies, joint publication, Home Office and Cabinet Office, UK. 2004. http://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk

Burges MJC. Identification: The Coroner’s Perspective. Mallett X, Blythe T, and Berry R. (Eds.). Advances in Forensic Human Identification. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 2014. p. 21–35.

Sweet D. INTERPOL DVI beat-practice standards An overview. Forensic Science International. 2010: 18–21. PMid: 20303223. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2010.02.031 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2010.02.031

Tidball-Binz M. Managing the dead in catastrophes: Guiding principles and practical recommendations for first responders. International Review of the Red Cross. 2007; 89:866. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1816383107001130 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1816383107001130

PAHO, WHO, ICRC, IFRCRC. Management of Dead Bodies after Disasters: A Field Manual for First Responders. 2nd ed. 2016. http://www.who.int/hac/techguidance/management-of-deadbodies/en/

Management of Dead Bodies in Disaster Situations. Washington D.C.: Pan American Health Organization; 2004. ISBN 92-75-12529-5.

Cordner S, Tidball-Binz M. Humanitarian forensic action - its origins and future. Forensic Science International. 2017; 279:65–71. PMid: 28846915. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.08.011 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.08.011

Brown KA. International Communication and Cooperation in Forensic Odontology. J Forensic OdontoStomatol. 1988; 6:29–34.

Hardy JH. Odontology in Tim Thompson and Sue Black. Eds. Forensic Human Identification: An Introduction. CRC Press 2007: Boca Raton FL; 2007.

Hill AJ, Hewson I, Lain. The role of the forensic odontologist in disaster victim identification: Lessons for management. Forensic Science International. 2011; 205:44–7. PMid: 20950970. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2010.08.013 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2010.08.013

Berketa J, James H, Langlois N, Richards L, Pigou P. Use of a non-volatile agent to stabilize severely incinerated dental remains. Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology. 2015; 11(2):228–34. PMid: 25772120. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-015-9670-z DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-015-9670-z

Adams C. The role of forensic dentistry in forensic science: Issues and validity? Faculty Dental Journal. 2012; 3:198– 201. https://doi.org/10.1308/204268512X13466824724599 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1308/204268512X13466824724599

Puri P, Shukla SK, Haque I. Developmental dental anomalies and their potential role in establishing identity in post-mortem cases: A review. Med Leg J. 2019 Mar; 87(1):13–8. PMid: 30605002. https://doi.org/10.1177/0025817218808714 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0025817218808714

Whittaker DK. Introduction to forensic dentistry. Quintessence Int.1994; 25:723–30.

Chugh A, Narwal A. Oral mark in the application of an individual identification: From ashes to truth. J Forensic Dent Sci. 2017; 9(2):51–5. PMid: 29263607 PMCid: PMC5717772. https://doi.org/10.4103/jfo.jfds_103_15 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/jfo.jfds_103_15

Jensen ND, Ulloa PC, Arge S, Bindslev DA, Lynnerup N. Odontological identification dental charts based upon postmortem computed tomography compared to dental charts based upon postmortem clinical examinations. Forensic Sci Med Pathol. 2020; 16(2):272–80. PMid: 32166705. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-02000217-4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-020-00217-4

Petju M, Suteerayongprasert A, Thongpud R, Hassiri K. Importance of dental records for victim identification following the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster in Thailand. Public Health. 2007; 121:251–7. PMid: 17276465. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2006.12.003 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2006.12.003

Lessig R, Grundmann C, Dahlmann F, Rotzscher K, Edelmann J, Schneider PM. Tsunami 2004 - A review of one year of continuous forensic medical work for victim identification. EXCLI Journal. 2006; 5:128–39.

Prajapati G, Sarode SC, Sarode GS, Shelke P, Awan KH, Patil S. Role of forensic odontology in the identification of victims of major mass disasters across the world: A systematic review. PLoS ONE. 2018; 13(6):e0199791. PMid:29953497 PMCid: PMC6023217. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0199791 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0199791

James H. Thai tsunami victim identification-an overview to date. J Forensic Odontostomatol. 2005; 23:1–18.

Ata Ali J, Ata Ali F. Forensic dentistry in human identification: A review of the literature. J Clin Exp Dent. 2014; 6:e1627. PMid: 24790717 PMCid: PMC4002347. https://doi.org/10.4317/jced.51387 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4317/jced.51387

Valenzuela A, Martin de las Heras S, Marques T, Exposito N, Bohoyo JM.The application of dental methods of identification to human burn victims in a mass disaster. Int J Legal Med. 2000; 13:236–9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004149900099

Andersen L, Juhl M, Solheim T, Borrman H. Odontological identification of fire victims? Potentialities and limitations. Int J Legal Med. 1995; 107(5):229–34. PMid: 7632598. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01245479 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01245479

Kvaal SI. Collection of post mortem data: DVI protocols and quality assurance. Forensic Sci Int. 2006; 159S:S12–4. PMid: 16574361. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2006.02.003 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2006.02.003

Sakuma A, Makino Y, Saitoh H, Chiba F, Ishii N, Iwase H. Evaluation of a personal identification method using the fusion function of CT images and dental radiographs. Dentomaxillofac Radiol. 2015; 44(2):20140137. PMid: 25270062 PMCid: PMC4614172. https://doi.org/10.1259/dmfr.20140137 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1259/dmfr.20140137

Hinchliffe J. Forensic odontology, Part 1. Dental identification. Br Dent J. 2011; 210:219–24. PMid:21394152. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2011.146 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2011.146

Nuzzolese E, Lupariello F, Ricci P. Human identification and human rights through humanitarian forensic odontology. Int J Forensic Odontol. 2020; 5:38–42.

See KL Aziz S, Mahmood MS. Beyond DVI: Future identification, research and archiving. J Forensic Res. 2016; 7(359):2. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4172/2157-7145.1000359

Acharya AB. Role of forensic odontology in disaster victim identification in the Indian context. J Dent Specialities. 2015; 3(1):89–91.

Balla SB. Forensic dental identification: Practice in Indian context compared to western countries. Journal of Forensic Science and Medicine. 2016; 2(1):44. https://doi.org/10.4103/2349-5014.161629 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/2349-5014.161629