Mass fatality preparedness among medical examiners/coroners in the United States: a cross-sectional study

摘要: Background: In the United States (US), Medical Examiners and Coroners (ME/Cs) have legal authority for management of mass fatality incidents (MFI). Yet, preparedness operational capabilities in this sector remain largely unknown. The purpose study was twofold; first, to identify appropriate measures preparedness, second, assess levels factors significantly associated with preparedness. Methods: Three separate checklists were developed measure different aspects preparedness: MFI Plan Elements, Operational Capabilities, Pre-existing Resource Networks. Using a cross-sectional design, data on these other variables interest collected 2014 from national convenience sample ME/C using an internet-based, anonymous survey. Preparedness determined compared across Federal Regions relation number Presidential Disaster Declarations, also by Region. Bivariate logistic multivariable models estimated associations between organizational characteristics relative Results: A large proportion (42%) respondents reported that less than 25 additional fatalities over 48-hour period would exceed their response capacities. constructs measured three related, yet distinct, scores highly variable generally suboptimal. Median varied as Declared Disasters, Capacity especially limited activating missing persons call centers, launching public communications, via social media, identifying temporary interment sites. provision staff training only factor studied (positively) (p<.05) all measures. Although ME/Cs ranked local partners, such Offices Emergency Management, first responders, funeral homes, most important sources assistance, sizeable (72%) expected federal assistance. Conclusions: allowed broad comprehensive assessment future, can serve useful benchmarks or criteria assessing findings suggest multiple opportunities improvement, including development implementation strategies ensure uniform standards jurisdictions.