Carry this Emergency Contact Card
As residents of Colorado, we have witnessed a pretty traumatic summer - from fires and mudslides, to the tragic massacre at a movie theater in Aurora.
As former deputy coroners, we have also witnessed the pain of families when notifying them of the death of their loved ones - the most difficult and unforgettable responsibility of the job. Families are often more traumatized when there are unanswered questions and, most often, an extended period of time before they are notified. We cannot know this pain, but we can help.
There are several factors that contribute to what information is available and shared, and how soon next-of-kin can be notified. In the recent Aurora tragedy it was reported that deceased bodies remained in the theater for 10-12 hours, longer for most. It was also reported that some families were not officially notified for 20 hours. Why does this happen? This question was asked of us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/4N6Associates.
Notifying next of kin is the most difficult part of the job. What is never easy to explain is why it takes so long. The following is not meant to ease any families trauma or grief, but only to help explain what happens.
First there is completing the scene investigation - Aurora was an MCI (Mass Casualty Incident) and bodies are not moved until the scene investigation was completed. Not only is placement of all evidence necessary, but the body is both a scene and evidence. This can take hours on a 'simple' scene - for an MCI, several hours.
Then there is at least presumptive ID, and that was complicated in this and similar cases.
Then there is determining and locating next of kin. This is not as easy at it seems. Often there is only a name found in a wallet or phone, but not location and the names are often too common. We have spent hours trying to find next-of-kin -- mistakes cannot be made at such a crucial time, but they have and are.
Then there is making sure they are personally notified and as much information as possible is available and provided. Personal notification is important for a variety of reasons.
Autopsies may be completed before ID is made ... that's rare, but is how long it could take.
We truly empathize with these families. As morbid as it may seem, how can individuals prepare for emergencies and expedite these? Not just in fatal incidents, but even unconscious motor vehicle collision victims or others. Two things:
1. Have an emergency contact card in your wallet AND vehicle, as well as a common place in your residence. Here is a good card you can print and fill out < click here >
2. Have your cell phone directory list emergency contacts. This should include a 'Critical Incident Buddy' - someone that can help responders, and also immediate relatives. We often list 'John Smith' in our phone directories - add 'Husband' or 'Wife' and 'Son' or 'Daughter', etc. as separate entries - this will immediately identify who might be called. Consider adding your physician, etc. Because phones alphabetize, starting with symbols, adding a asterisk (*) before the name will put them at the top.
Also, check your state for linking your driver's license to a data center. In Colorado you can go online and visit Colorado's Driver's License and State ID Emergency Contacts at https://www.colorado.gov/apps/dor/emergency/contact/start.jsf.
You can also register at the national registry - www.PleaseNotifyMe.org
And the best for last - our good friend and emergency preparedness expert, Paul Purcell - has provided this invaluable packet < click here >
Be diligent, vigilant and safe.
As former deputy coroners, we have also witnessed the pain of families when notifying them of the death of their loved ones - the most difficult and unforgettable responsibility of the job. Families are often more traumatized when there are unanswered questions and, most often, an extended period of time before they are notified. We cannot know this pain, but we can help.
There are several factors that contribute to what information is available and shared, and how soon next-of-kin can be notified. In the recent Aurora tragedy it was reported that deceased bodies remained in the theater for 10-12 hours, longer for most. It was also reported that some families were not officially notified for 20 hours. Why does this happen? This question was asked of us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/4N6Associates.
Notifying next of kin is the most difficult part of the job. What is never easy to explain is why it takes so long. The following is not meant to ease any families trauma or grief, but only to help explain what happens.
First there is completing the scene investigation - Aurora was an MCI (Mass Casualty Incident) and bodies are not moved until the scene investigation was completed. Not only is placement of all evidence necessary, but the body is both a scene and evidence. This can take hours on a 'simple' scene - for an MCI, several hours.
Then there is at least presumptive ID, and that was complicated in this and similar cases.
Then there is determining and locating next of kin. This is not as easy at it seems. Often there is only a name found in a wallet or phone, but not location and the names are often too common. We have spent hours trying to find next-of-kin -- mistakes cannot be made at such a crucial time, but they have and are.
Then there is making sure they are personally notified and as much information as possible is available and provided. Personal notification is important for a variety of reasons.
Autopsies may be completed before ID is made ... that's rare, but is how long it could take.
We truly empathize with these families. As morbid as it may seem, how can individuals prepare for emergencies and expedite these? Not just in fatal incidents, but even unconscious motor vehicle collision victims or others. Two things:
1. Have an emergency contact card in your wallet AND vehicle, as well as a common place in your residence. Here is a good card you can print and fill out < click here >
2. Have your cell phone directory list emergency contacts. This should include a 'Critical Incident Buddy' - someone that can help responders, and also immediate relatives. We often list 'John Smith' in our phone directories - add 'Husband' or 'Wife' and 'Son' or 'Daughter', etc. as separate entries - this will immediately identify who might be called. Consider adding your physician, etc. Because phones alphabetize, starting with symbols, adding a asterisk (*) before the name will put them at the top.
Also, check your state for linking your driver's license to a data center. In Colorado you can go online and visit Colorado's Driver's License and State ID Emergency Contacts at https://www.colorado.gov/apps/dor/emergency/contact/start.jsf.
You can also register at the national registry - www.PleaseNotifyMe.org
And the best for last - our good friend and emergency preparedness expert, Paul Purcell - has provided this invaluable packet < click here >
Be diligent, vigilant and safe.