Disaster Victim Identification (DVI)

Course Introduction

This Oxford Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) training course provides the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills of identified personnel in crisis and emergency scene examination to meet the demands of mass fatality incidents through a natural disaster, terrorism, civil unrest, accident or deliberate act.

It is underpinned by the philosophies of the Interpol DVI guidelines and to prepare the participants for the challenges of attending and working on mass fatality incidents in both a national and international scenario. This will enable the participants to develop a thorough appreciation of the critical aspects of effective operational working in major non-routine events involving mass fatalities.

This Oxford training course will highlight:

• Key roles and responsibilities involved in Disaster Victim Identification
• The importance of completing the Interpol documentation for the Identification Commission
• Describe how Ante-mortem and Post-mortem samples should be packaged to ensure the integrity and evidential continuity
• The possible forensic evidence types available from disaster scenes
• Apply the Interpol Identification Standards to sample collection

Objectives

By the end of this Oxford training course, the participants will learn to:

• Define the main duties and core tasks of roles within a Disaster Victim Identification team
• Compile the necessary documentation required by international protocol
• Identify the scientific methods used in identifying deceased victims and human remains in a mass fatality incident
• Define how Ante-mortem and Post-mortem samples should be packaged to ensure the integrity and evidential continuity
• Describe the importance of the INTERPOL Identification Standards
• Appraise the risks of misidentification and how this should be avoided

Training Methodology

This Oxford Disaster Victim Identification training course will have presentations that utilise a variety of proven adult learning techniques focused on best practices and case studies. It includes PowerPoint presentations, active participation in class practical cases followed by active group sessions, video materials, and tabletop activities.

Organisational Impact

The organisation will acquire a thorough understanding of the principles and practices undertaken during events where an understanding of the procedures of Disaster Victim Identification are required to build resilience and prepare.

• Establish a thorough foundation of the fundamentals and challenges of Disaster Victim Identification
• Ensure client trust and confidence in the organisations ability to carry out the function of Disaster Victim Identification
• Increase the understanding of the challenges of achieving
• Improve forensic competence, capability, and knowledge of Legal Practitioners
• Enhance the quality of knowledge of forensic evidence within the organization

Personal Impact

This Oxford training course will personally benefit the participants to develop their understanding and knowledge by the following:

• Appreciate the importance of robust recovery and processing methods
• Explain the key aspects of mass fatality incidents with respect to definitions, categorisations, mitigation, and management
• Apply knowledge of previous mass fatality incidents to critically evaluate general effects a mass fatality incident
• Develop a critical awareness of current best practice guidance for disaster victim identification
• Identify the roles and responsibilities of the personnel involved in the DVI process

Who Should Attend?

This Oxford Disaster Victim Identification training course is a suitably wide range of professionals who may be possibly involved in disaster recovery events but will significantly benefit:

• Police Officers
• NGO Workers
• Medical Doctors
• Legal Practitioners
• Forensic Scientists
• Emergency Planners
• Accident Investigators
• Family Liaison Officers
• Immigration and Customs Officers
• Any other agency tasked with investigating crime
• Emergency Response Personnel (Police, Fire, and Ambulance)

Course Outline

Day 1

Introduction to Disaster Victim Identification (DVI)

Day 2

Safety Issues at Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) Incidents

Day 3

The Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) Process

Day 4

The Aftermath

 Day 5

Specialists and Terrorist Incidents