Maximisation of postmortem information for identification of severely incinerated victims

The identification of victims of incineration events can be an intensive and daunting task as the usual comparison methods, including visual, fingerprint, and DNA, may not be possible due to the destruction of postmortem tissue. Dental comparison may also not be possible due to damage and further loss of what remains of the fragile dental tissues. The aim of this thesis is to provide knowledge and practical suggestions to assist the identification of deceased persons through the successful recognition, retrieval, stabilisation and treatment of postmortem information from incinerated human remains together with prosthetic devices and materials within them to facilitate more successful identification outcomes. The stabilisation of fragile dental remains was the first step in successful retrieval of information and following pilot studies; non-volatile Clag™ paste solution stabilising agent was identified as the material of choice. Further testing on sheep heads, then trials on human mandibles, produced positive results. An alternative of using a plain flour solution is also offered where Clag™ paste is unavailable. In parallel studies for cases where dentition would not be available, the retrieval of numerical data from the most commonly placed hip and knee incinerated implants was investigated and the use of information from cochlear implants, dental implants and gold alloy analysis were also considered. This research has proposed practical suggestions that have already been placed into practice to maximise postmortem information of severely incinerated victims.Thesis (Ph.D.) (Research by Publication) -- University of Adelaide, School of Dentistry, 2016

Cochlear implants in the forensic identification process

Purpose: Decedents who are severely decomposed, skeletonized or incinerated present challenges for identification. Cochlear implants aid hearing and bear unique serial numbers that can be used to assist with identification of bodies that are not visually identifiable. The purpose of this paper was to highlight companies that have or had manufactured cochlear type implants and demonstrate the appearance of the implants to assist crime scene investigators, pathologists, anthropologists and odontologists. Method: Investigation of cochlear implants was conducted on the internet and companies were contacted for information regarding their implants. Results: The functional appearance of a cochlear implant is explained, brands of implants are tabulated and pre and post-incineration images are presented. Conclusion: The prevalence of cochlear implants is predicted to increase, thus they are likely to become relevant to the identification process. Company brand and serial markings can be retrieved from post-incineration implants making them a valuable aid in identification when other identifiers that may be present are not useful because they are heat-sensitive.John Berketa, Helen James, Neil Langlois, Lindsay Richard

Forensic odontology involvement in disaster victim identification

Forensic odontology is one of three primary identifiers designated by Interpol to identify victims of mass casualty events. Forensic odontology is involved in all five phases-Scene, Postmortem, Antemortem, Reconciliation and Debrief. Forward planning, adequate funding, international cooperation and standardization are essential to guarantee an effective response. A Standard Operation Procedure should be utilized to maximize quality, facilitate occupation and health issues, maintain security and form a structure to the relief program. Issues that must be considered in the management of the forensic odontology component of disaster victim identification are given in "Appendix 1". Each stage of the disaster, from initial notification to debrief, is analyzed and a comprehensive checklist of actions suggested.John William Berketa, Helen James, Anthony W. Lak