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PubMed2004

Social attitudes toward traumatized men and women: a vignette study.

This study investigated social beliefs about gender-appropriate reactions to trauma. Ninety-three men and 179 women completed vignette measures of attitudes toward victims, the Bem Sex Role Inventory, and the Trauma History Questionnaire. Participants evaluated male victims less favorably than female victims. Women responded more positively toward all victims than men. Participants regarded female crime victims more positively than their male counterparts, but did not distinguish between male and female natural disaster victims. Feminine-sex-typed women rated victims more favorably than masculine-sex-typed individuals. There was a positive relation between personal trauma exposure and attitudes toward male victims among male participants. These findings contribute to an understanding of factors influencing the social reactions experienced by traumatized men and women, and have implications for clinical practice and psychoeducation.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Evidence against disaster-induced migration: the 2004 tornado in north-central Bangladesh.

Migration is generally considered to be one of the primary responses to a natural disaster. The existing literature widely acknowledges the fact that disaster victims migrate from affected areas. This paper, though, provides empirical evidence of the non-occurrence of out-migration in the aftermath of the 14 April 2004 tornado in Bangladesh. Data collected from 291 respondents from eight tornado-affected villages suggest that no one from these locations migrated to other areas. The constant flow of disaster aid and its proper distribution by the government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were the main reasons why victims did not leave. This study contributes to the disaster literature by providing three important findings: disasters do not always create out-migration; emergency aid can compensate in monetary terms for damage caused by disasters; and some of the arguments made in the literature against the provision of emergency relief for disaster victims are not always valid for all countries.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Major incident response: collecting ante-mortem data.

The Asian tsunami of 26 December 2004, which devastated coastal parts of more than 10 countries in and around the Indian Ocean caused over 200,000 casualties. People from more than 58 nationalities were amongst the victims and subsequently an international effort for disaster victim identification (DVI) was set up, coordinated by Interpol. DVI teams from more than 20 countries took part in the identification process which, because of the complexity of the situation, had to be conducted in an internationally agreed upon procedure. Standard operating protocols of post-mortem (PM) procedures were established for fingerprinting, forensic pathology, forensic odontology and DNA profiling and were crucial in the quality of the entire DVI process of the quickly decomposing bodies. A very important and underestimated part of the DVI process is the gathering of the ante-mortem (AM) data of the persons reported missing in their home countries. In the wake of this tsunami event it appeared to be even more problematic as entire families had died and information was difficult to obtain. As dentistry proved to be the most valuable identification mean--up to 85% of the cases--the AM dental records proved to be crucial elements for DVI. Standard operating protocols (SOP) were again established as to who, where, when and what information had to be collected by the dentists by the AM teams abroad. Transcribing the AM dental information by experienced forensic odontologists was another crucial element in the whole identification procedure as the information had to be loaded into the DVI System International (Plass Data, Holbaek, Denmark) for comparison with incoming PM data. The Interpol DVI Standing Committee thus recommends that forward planning, adequate funding, international cooperation and standardisation are essential to guarantee an effective response to any major mass disaster of this kind in the future.

Asia, Southeastern↗

PubMed2005

Health problems presented in general practice by survivors before and after a fireworks disaster: associations with mental health care.

OBJECTIVE: To study the health problems presented to general practitioners by disaster survivors who received specialized ambulatory mental health care. DESIGN: (Longitudinal) case-control study based on general practitioners' electronic medical records. SETTING: General practice and a mental health institution (MHI) in Enschede, the Netherlands. SUBJECTS: A total of 728 adult disaster survivors who were registered in 30 study practices and had attended a specialized mental health institution (MHI group), and 728 practice-matched controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Attendance rates in general practice before and after the disaster; health problems presented to the GP, classified according to the International Classification of Primary Care. RESULTS: Disaster survivors in the MHI group reported higher GP attendance rates pre- and post-disaster and more health problems than controls. In the year post-disaster, the MHI group reported an increase in psychological, medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS), gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal problems, compared with the year pre-disaster. Controls, survivors themselves, showed also an increase in psychological problems in the year post-disaster compared with the year pre-disaster. CONCLUSION: General practitioners should be aware of an increase in consultations and health problems among patients who also receive mental health care following a disaster. The services of GP and mental health care professionals should be integrated when supporting disaster victims. Information on severity of exposure to disasters should be included in disaster databases.

Adult↗

PubMed1980

Developing an emergency medical disaster plan for an airport.

The development of the Emergency Medical Disaster Plan for Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport as a model for other major hub airports is discussed. Conformance with federal regulations and the need to closely coordinate activities with both on-airport personnel and off-airport facilities are considered and incorporated into the plan. Manpower sources are reviewed and methods are developed for the efficient handling and treatment of disaster victims. Essential services for an emergency are categorized and their responsibilities designated. Centers of control for support personnel and vehicles are established. Consideration is also given to the special requirements of friends and relatives of the victims and of the news media. Conducting disaster drills as a means to evaluate and improve the basis plan is also examined.

Aircraft↗

PubMed1982

Planning for disaster: a new community outreach program for mental health centers.

Disaster victims typically do not request services from the mental health system. Victims must be contacted through innovative outreach programs linked to the disaster relief network. Advance planning for disaster programs by mental health centers is highly desirable, but barriers may be encountered related to (a) external support, (b) information on victim needs, (c) intervention methods, (d) linkage with disaster agencies, or (d) planning guidelines. Advice and information are offered on how to overcome each potential barrier. A model disaster plan is outlined that is consistent with NIMH guidelines for disaster preparedness planning, and with three criteria considered essential for an effective plan.

Community Mental Health Centers↗

PubMed2026

Genetic Identification of Burned Human Remains: A Systematic Review.

Background/Objectives: DNA-based identification of degraded human remains represents a major challenge in forensic science, particularly in cases involving burned, fragmented, or commingled bodies. Advances in forensic genetics have expanded the analytical capabilities for such samples; however, the effectiveness of different approaches and their integration within Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) workflows remain heterogeneous. This systematic review aims to critically evaluate current evidence on DNA-based identification of degraded remains, focusing on methodological strategies, emerging genomic technologies, and DVI applications, while integrating laboratory evidence and operational forensic practice into a structured analytical framework. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in Scopus and Web of Science from database inception to 5 June 2026, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Eligible studies included original research addressing DNA analysis of degraded, thermally altered, or highly compromised human remains in forensic or DVI contexts. After a multistep screening process involving title/abstract and full-text evaluation, 37 studies were included. Data were extracted and organized into three thematic categories: (i) core DNA analysis, (ii) advanced molecular technologies, and (iii) DVI case applications. Results: The findings demonstrate that DNA recovery from degraded remains is influenced by thermal exposure, tissue type, and sampling strategy. Teeth and dense cortical bone consistently provide higher DNA yield. While autosomal STR profiling remains the primary analytical approach, its limitations in highly degraded samples are mitigated through the complementary use of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), Y-chromosome STRs (Y-STRs), and SNP markers, together with advanced sequencing technologies such as massively parallel sequencing (MPS). Emerging technologies, including rapid DNA systems and predictive models based on macroscopic indicators, significantly enhance efficiency and success rates. DVI studies report identification rates exceeding 90-95% when multidisciplinary and structured workflows are applied. The evidence further supports a flexible triage-based analytical strategy, in which marker selection is guided by tissue preservation and degradation level. Conclusions: DNA-based identification of degraded human remains has evolved into an adaptive, multi-level forensic process. Successful outcomes rely on the integration of optimized sampling, hierarchical genetic analysis, and coordinated DVI strategies. The findings support a triage-based framework that links tissue selection, degradation assessment, and analytical methodology to maximize identification success. Future developments should focus on predictive models, advanced genomic tools, and standardized workflows to further improve identification in challenging forensic scenarios.

Humans↗

PubMed1986

[The medicolegal identification of victims of major disasters].

The medical identification of victims of major catastrophes is based upon a strict methodological approach at the actual site of the catastrophe when victims are found and in mortuaries. In the majority of cases, police identification can be pronounced. It is only in much more difficult cases where there are calcination or putrefaction processes that medicolegal identification is requested. This identification is based upon the results of medicolegal autopsy itself and on examination of the dental system which remains of capital importance. In the absence of data which can be used to compare the dental system of the victim with this of missing it is possible using single teeth to assess dental age and determine blood group, thereby providing the legal authorities with a group of additional arguments which can be used for presumptive identification.

Age Determination by Teeth↗

PubMed1996

The results of selective cytogenetic monitoring of Chernobyl accident victims in the Ukraine.

Selective cytogenetic monitoring of the highest priority groups of Chernobyl disaster victims has been carried out since 1987. In 1992-1993, 125 liquidators (irradiated mainly in 1986) and 42 persons recovering from acute radiation sickness of the second and third degrees of severity were examined. Cytogenetic effects (an elevated level of unstable as well as stable markers of radiation exposure) were found in all groups, which showed a positive correlation with the initial degree of irradiation severity even 6-7 y after the accident. Comparative scoring of conventional staining vs. G-banding in 10 liquidators showed the identical rate of unstable aberrations. At the same time, the yield of stable aberrations for G-banded slides exceeded the frequency for conventional staining. In order to study possible mutagenic activity of chronic low levels of irradiation, the cytogenetic monitoring of some critical groups of the population (especially children and occupational groups--tractor drivers and foresters) living in areas of the Ukraine contaminated by radionuclides was carried out. In all the examined groups, a significant increase in the frequency of aberrant metaphases, chromosome aberrations (both unstable and stable), and chromatid aberrations was observed. Data gathered from groups of children reflect the intensity of mutagenic impact on the studied populations and demonstrate a positive correlation with the duration of exposure. Results of cytogenetic examination of adults confirmed the importance of considering the contribution of occupational radiation exposure to genetic effects of Chernobyl accident factors on the population of contaminated areas. Results of our investigations demonstrated the possibility of evaluating the mutagenic impact of acute and long-term irradiation of different intensities on somatic cells of persons undergoing radiation exposure due to the Chernobyl accident and confirmed the need to introduce new informative genetic methods [especially fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)] for reliable retrospective cytogenetic dosimetry of radiation exposure in Chernobyl accident victims.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

[Triage and initial treatment of house fire victims].

Medical teams are often confronted to the numerous victims due to house fires. The time course of these disasters is difficult to predict and requires an excellent rescue organization as well as good cooperation with the fire brigades and appropriate matching and raising of means to the magnitude of the disaster. Victims usually present with three types of injuries: thermal, traumatic and toxic. In order to avoid an overflow of patients in surrounding hospitals, adequate triage and treatment are required on the field. Triage is best relized by history and physical examination and the main treatment remains maximal oxygen therapy. In case of severe monoxide intoxication, cyanide poisoning should be highly suspected.

Burns↗

PubMed1985

Evaluation of possible patient survival in a mock airplane disaster.

A mock disaster at Orange County's John Wayne Airport provided a basis for examining correct triage of patients and their arrival time for definitive care. The ability to triage critically injured patients in a timely fashion was found to be only slightly better than chance routing. For most of the seriously and critically injured patients, it took more than 1.5 hours to reach the hospital. Advanced life support with intravenous fluid resuscitation available on the scene would probably reduce the mortality of possible disaster victims by 50 percent. These problems are presently being addressed. In future disaster exercises, the present type of evaluation could be used to judge improvement in possible patient triage and survival.

Accidents, Aviation↗

PubMed1996

Deaths related to Hurricane Andrew in Florida and Louisiana, 1992.

BACKGROUND: Information about circumstances leading to disaster-related deaths helps emergency response coordinators and other public health officials respond to the needs of disaster victims and develop policies for reducing the mortality and morbidity of future disasters. In this paper, we describe the decedent population, circumstances of death, and population-based mortality rates related to Hurricane Andrew, and propose recommendations for evaluating and reducing the public health impact of natural disasters. METHODS: To ascertain the number and circumstances of deaths attributed to Hurricane Andrew in Florida and Louisiana, we contacted medical examiners in 11 Florida counties and coroners in 36 Louisiana parishes. RESULTS: In Florida medical examiners attributed 44 deaths to the hurricane. The mortality rate for directly-related deaths was 4.4 per 1 000 000 population and that for indirectly-related deaths was 8.5 per 1 000 000 population. In Louisiana, coroners attributed 11 resident deaths to the hurricane. Mortality rates were 0.6 per 1000 000 population for deaths directly related to the storm and 2.8 for deaths indirectly related to the storm. Six additional deaths occurred among non-residents who drowned in international waters in the Gulf of Mexico. In both Florida and Louisiana, mortality rates generally increased with age and were higher among whites and males. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to encouraging people to follow existing recommendations, we recommend emphasizing safe driving practices during evacuation and clean-up, equipping shelters with basic medical needs for the population served, and modifying zoning and housing legislation. We also recommend developing and using a standard definition for disaster-related deaths, and using population-based statistics to describe the public health effectiveness of policies intended to reduce disaster-related mortality.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1984

The Ash Wednesday bushfires in South Australia. Implications for planning for future post-disaster services.

Adequate disaster management depends on the incorporation of experience and research findings into future disaster plans. To assist in this process, a series of psychiatric patients examined after the Ash Wednesday bushfires in South Australia are described. The level of handicap experienced was often substantial and interfered with these people's attempts to overcome the losses they experienced in the disaster. Some people had to go to considerable lengths to seek psychiatric help because their general practitioners and bushfire relief workers did not understand the quality of their symptoms and had not arranged referral for them. The types of disorder, the time of presentation and the role played by the disaster in the onset of these disorders are described. The need for an educational and consultative psychiatric service for general practitioners and welfare workers who have contact with disaster victims is discussed.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Forensic odontologists successfully identify tsunami victims in Phuket, Thailand.

More than a year has elapsed since the seaquake in South-East Asia in December 2004, and more than 92% of the non-Thai victims have been identified. About 80% of the non-Thai victims were identified by dental information. This high success rate of dental identification in Thailand was a matter of surprise for many forensic experts. Identification based on dental information is a highly efficient, reliable and rapid procedure. The conclusions drawn from the identification of tsunami victims in Thailand were recently discussed at the 17th Meeting of the Standing Committee on Disaster Victim Identification of Interpol in Lyon, and may be used to formulate new guidelines for the identification of victims.

Databases as Topic↗

PubMed2006

Unstable ethical plateaus and disaster triage.

Disasters are defined medically as mass casualty incidents in which the number of patients presenting during a given time period exceeds the capacity of the responders to render effective care in a timely manner. During such circumstances, triage is instituted to allocate scarce medical resources. Current disaster triage attempts to do the most for the most, with the least amount of resources. This article reviews the nature of disasters from the standpoint of immediate medical need, and places into an ethics framework currently proposed utilitarian triage schema for prioritizing medical care of surviving disaster victims. Specific questions include whether resources truly are limited, whether specific numbers should dictate disaster response, and whether triage decisions should be based on age or social worth. The primary question the authors pose is whether disaster triage, as currently advocated and practiced in the western world, is actually ethical.

Disaster Planning↗

PubMed2001

Identification of victims from the M/S Estonia.

With 852 victims from 17 different countries, the sinking of the Estonia was Europe's most severe passenger ferry disaster. The Finnish Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) team identified all 93 victims recovered from the sea within 33 days of the accident as well as victim number 94 found 18 months later. Dental identification was established in 57 cases (60%).

Cause of Death↗

PubMed1999

Methods for identification of 28 burn victims following a 1996 bus accident in Spain.

A car collided head-on with a bus containing 56 passengers plus the driver. A few seconds after the crash, the bus caught fire and 28 persons (15 male and 13 female) lost their lives. All the deceased were almost completely incinerated. To establish the identity of the victims, the judge in charge of the case designated a multidisciplinary Identification Commission. Postmortem procedures included a general external examination, routine photographs, dental examination, dental (intraoral and extraoral) and general radiographs (chest, ankle, etc.), and complementary biological methods for identification (e.g., DNA analysis). The antemortem information, including dental and medical records available, were transcribed onto the INTERPOL disaster victim identification forms. The detailed ante- and postmortem information were compared manually. In this disaster dental identity could be established in 57% of the victims, whereas dental evidence did not allow by itself the identification of 12 burned victims. Odontological examination and complementary radiographic procedures were found to be accurate, economic and rapid methods of identifying badly burned victims in this bus accident.

Accidents, Traffic↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Defining "disasters" with implications for nursing scholarship and practice.

Nurses have long been a part of disaster care, yet the nurses' unique approaches to disaster victims have not been reported in the nursing literature. This situation raises the questions, "How does disaster nursing differ than general nursing?" and "What defines the specialty care of disaster nursing?" An analysis of the term "disaster" and the concepts that have been used to build a theoretic base for disaster nursing are presented.

Disasters↗