preservation of remains

Question 1

Medical responsibilities during preservation of remains

Answer 1

1. Know and understand MA operations
2. Understand where the resources are located for your assistance
3. Be familiar with paperwork and forms associated with human remains

Question 2

Full accounting

Answer 2

1. “I will never leave a fallen comrade”
2. Full accounting requires:
3. Proper identification
4. Explanation as to the cause and manner of death
5. Family members expect and deserve a full accounting
6. Providing a full accounting takes precedence over any procedure that may or may not preserve remains

Question 3

theatre mortuary affairs

Answer 3

1. Contingency fatality operations occur at all levels in a theater of operation.
2. Search and Recovery Operations has three phases, Combat, Post Combat and area clearance.
3. The Mortuary Affairs program starts at the unit level with search and recovery and continues until remains are returned to the PADD (Person Authorized to Direct Disposition) and all PE (Personal Effects) is returned to the PERE (Person Eligible to Receive Effects).

Question 4

What does MACP stand for?

Answer 4

mortuary affairs collection point

Question 5

Where are MACPs usually located?

Answer 5

MACPs in theater are always co-located on bases with Role 3 facilities and usually co-located with Role 2 facilities (usually operate as close to the airstrip as possible)

Question 6

Who handles MAs?

Answer 6

BCTs have one MA soldier (92M) to handle MA functions

Question 7

What does TMEP stand for

Answer 7

Theater mortuary evacuation point

Question 8

Where are TMEPs typically located

Answer 8

at a major aerial port of embarkation

Question 9

What does PEMF stand for?

Answer 9

port of entry mortuary facility

Question 10

Where is the PEMF located?

Answer 10

Dover AFB; this is where all remains and PE go for positive identification and final disposition

Question 11

What is the primary tenant of MAs?

Answer 11

get the soldier back to the states ASAP; the goal is to return the remains to the family within 72-96 hours

Question 12

Post mortem care

Answer 12

1. place body in human remains pouch (in class VIII inventory)
   
   • obtain from MA point
   • all personal effects stay with remains
   • if no remains pouch, cover with poncho or blanket
2. position body on litter in supine position and close eyes
3. lightly tie the wrists together, you may need to apply a bandage to the lower jaw to keep the mouth closed
4. provider will confirm death
5. consult with mortuary affairs (complete documentation and pass along all PE including IOTV, kevlar, and uniforms regardless of condition)
6. DO NOT remove any treatment adjuncts from body; needed during autopsy
7. ensure body has proper ID
   
   • three tags req; two on body (wrist and big toe), third on zipper of the pouch
8. ensure body is placed in a shaded cool area, separated from remaining casualties

Question 13

actions to preserve remains

Answer 13

1. maintain coordination with MA
2. place remains in refrigerated environment ASAP; temp should be between 34-37 degrees Fahrenheit (don’t freeze body)
   -Refrigeration units / Cooler
   -Refrigeration decreases the rate of body -
   decomposition
   -Refrigeration preserves evidentiary and
   identification material
   -If refrigeration is not available bagged ice may be
   used; prevent contact with skin at all costs