Virginia Mass Fatalities Management (VA)

The Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has created two flowcharts for disposition of remains following death from pandemic influenza and a two-page pamphlet on managing fatalities during a pandemic. The flowcharts describe fatalities care pathways for two scenarios: 1) individuals who die in hospitals or are dead on arrival, and 2) individuals who die in out-of-hospital settings. The pamphlet addresses pronouncement and certification of death; identification of victims; and handling, storing, and transporting of remains. While these materials are relatively brief, they offer a good conceptual framework for managing remains during a pandemic and could easily be adapted to other locations.