Can you care for the deceased with dignity in an MFI?
Caring doesn’t stop when life ends
Written by Steve Huggins, Flexmort Commercial Director
What is a mass fatality incident?
An event where the number of fatalities exceeds the capacity of local resources. This is based upon available resources against number of fatalities. If this occurred at rural location, it may be a very small number of deceased.
Storing/Caring for the Deceased
Depending on the size of the Mass Fatality Incident (MFI), outside support may be available from government and regional organizations such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Teams (DMORT), and National Emergency Mortuary Arrangements (NEMA).
These are large organizations, and mobilizing their resources can take time, typically 48 to 60 hours. Equipment availability is not guaranteed, and in incidents spanning multiple states or counties, resources may be distributed across various sites, leaving some locations without necessary support. In cases with a lower number of fatalities, external assistance may not be required, and hospitals may be able to manage the situation with dignity.
Some preparedness plans suggest acquiring racking and air conditioning (A/C) systems from local suppliers to convert unused rooms, areas, or corridors into temporary refrigerated storage. However, these racking and A/C systems are highly specialized, and suppliers are unlikely to have them readily available for immediate deployment. Additionally, converting any space into a suitable storage area for the deceased—maintaining a constant temperature of 37°F to 40°F (3°C to 5°C)—would be impractical without extensive and costly insulation work, including the installation of specialized doors.
Disaster Portable Mortuary Unit (DPMU)
These are large refrigerated trailers or trucks positioned in car parks or back lots to provide a temperature-controlled storage area. However, they come with several drawbacks. Some units require connection to a specialized power supply. Additionally, the truck floor is typically around 5 feet (1,524 mm) off the ground. To build a ramp that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it would need to be approximately 70 feet (over 21 meters) long. For a trailer, the required ramp length extends to over 130 feet (40 meters), occupying a significant amount of space that may not be available.
These trailers can store up to 30 bodies, lying flat on the floor with a walkway between them. Stacking the deceased not only demonstrates a lack of respect but also presents practical and ethical challenges. Cold temperatures can distort the faces of victims when bodies are stacked, making visual identification difficult. Additionally, managing and retrieving the deceased becomes more complex—individual tags are harder to read, and decedents on the bottom are not easily accessible.
Storing the deceased on the floor offers very little dignity, especially when specialized racking systems like the AirCool are readily available. Additionally, manually lifting the deceased from the floor places significant strain on workers’ backs and legs, increasing the risk of work-related injuries over time.
Disaster Portable Morgue Units (DPMUs) are highly visible and often attract significant media and public attention. News helicopters, drones, and “eye-in-the-sky” coverage make it nearly impossible to maintain privacy. A smaller, more discreet unit, designed for indoor use or placement under a shelter, could help mitigate media concerns and ensure greater privacy.
Instantly Increase Morgue Capacity with AirCool
Hospital preparedness teams should incorporate the Flexmort AirCool as their first-line response for increasing morgue capacity in Tier 1 and Tier 2 emergency planning.
Unlike morgue trailers, which are often seen as undignified and pose manual handling risks, the AirCool provides a safer, more respectful alternative. Its design includes rollers on every level, allowing for efficient and secure body storage.
In a Mass Fatality Incident (MFI), the AirCool can be deployed within 20 minutes, immediately expanding a hospital’s morgue capacity by at least 12 additional spaces indoors while maintaining privacy and security. This rapid response operates independently of state or regional support, enabling hospitals to act without waiting for external resources.
The AirCool is compact, portable, and cost-effective, making it a practical first step in managing surge capacity. While extreme MFIs may require morgue trailers (DPMUs), not every incident results in dozens of fatalities. Many MFIs involve as few as 5-6 deaths, which can still overwhelm a hospital morgue.
It’s time for hospitals across the United States to rethink their approach and move away from relying on morgue trailers as the first response. The AirCool offers an immediate, dignified, and efficient solution for expanding morgue capacity, allowing hospitals to manage the early stages of a crisis more effectively.
Contact our team today to learn more about this dignified and cost-saving alternative: info@flexmort.com
