Waiting for a Disaster to Happen

After a hospital disaster exercise held in 1993 in London, Ontario, questions arose about the disposition of fatalities and the provision of pathology services. Review of local disaster plans revealed that these issues were not adequately addressed. During 1994, discussions between pathologists representing the three local hospitals, police, disaster planners and the Regional Coroner focused on a notification process and the capabilities of the London teaching hospitals in the event of a multiple fatality incident. The number of deaths examined locally would be influenced by many factors including the nature of the disaster and scene, personnel and facilities. Pathologists would not only perform autopsies but also could be requested to assist in body recovery. In disasters that exceed local capabilities Ontario's Chief Coroner requires the bodies of the deceased and all associated investigation be transferred to the central Forensic Pathology Unit in Toronto. Local pathologists and coroners should still continue to participate in local disaster planning and multiple fatality exercises.