The DOI matches its Crossref record; 5 of the 5 references it cites were found in a registry or an index; none of the 25 sources its claims cite is checked for support yet.
The Forensic Anthropologist in the Mass Fatality Context
Open accessAbstract
Mass fatality incidents require a multi-agency, multidisciplinary response to effectively and efficiently manage the recovery and identification of human remains. The forensic anthropologist is uniquely suited for a significant role in the disaster response, demonstrated in the recovery and triage of human remains, interpretation of skeletal trauma, and identification of victims. However, the majority of published literature discusses these response operations in the context of large-scale incidents with significant numbers of highly fragmented and commingled human remains, which does not reflect the operational reality of mass fatality incidents in the United States. This article provides a realistic definition of the term “mass fatality incident” for medicolegal jurisdictions and provides the contributions of the forensic anthropologist for all types of incidents.
Overview
AI snapshot
Written from the paper’s full text.
TL;DR
This article argues that forensic anthropologists are valuable not only in large-scale mass fatality incidents but also in the smaller, more common incidents faced by U.S. medicolegal jurisdictions. It reviews their roles in recovery, commingling resolution, biological profile estimation, skeletal trauma interpretation, and radiographic identification, and uses a 2000–2014 database to characterize U.S. mass fatality incidents.
Key findings
- The paper identifies the primary anthropological contributions in mass fatality response as anthropological recovery of remains from the site, resolution of commingling, provision of biological profile estimations, interpretation of skeletal trauma, and radiographic identification.
- Existing mass fatality literature focuses on large-scale incidents with high fragmentation and commingling, implying an all-or-nothing response; the authors argue that smaller incidents are more common in the United States and can still significantly disrupt medical examiner/coroner operations, so responses should be incident-specific and scalable.
- The Woody et al. database included 2,934 incidents in the United States from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2014 that resulted in four or more fatalities, accounting for more than 19,000 fatalities, with an average of seven fatalities per incident.
- Table 1 associates incident types with complex variables such as fragmentation, commingling, thermal damage, wide distribution, unassociated personal effects, criminal component, open population, and inflicted trauma; large-scale terrorist incidents like 9/11 are described as the most complex to manage.
Methods
- Design: narrative review/commentary that provides a realistic definition of “mass fatality incident” for medicolegal jurisdictions and describes the forensic anthropologist’s contributions across incident types.
- Data: the article draws on the Woody et al. database, which includes all multiple fatality incidents in the United States between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2014 resulting in four or more fatalities, extracted from federal databases including NTSB, NOAA, MSHA, BSEE, the National Incident-Based Reporting System, and FARS; single incidents affecting multiple jurisdictions were split by county/city.
- Analysis: descriptive summary and mapping of incident frequency, location, and type, plus a table comparing incident types with complex mass fatality characteristics; no formal statistical analysis is described.
Limitations
- Stated: the authors note there is currently little data-supported literature examining the importance of forensic scientists, including anthropologists, in mass fatality response, and that the existing references are compelling but largely anecdotal.
- Evident from the text: the article is a narrative/commentary synthesis rather than a primary empirical study, and it does not report a formal limitations section, statistical modeling, or independent validation of the database findings.
Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.
Integrity signals
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Cites
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Verification
Claims the paper makes
0 of 25 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged
- Findingown data§ Discussion
The average number of fatalities per incident during the 15-year period included in the sample is seven.
“The average number of fatalities per incident during the 15-year period included in the sample is seven (Figure 1).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [4]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Findingown data§ Discussion
Mass fatality incidents in the database show an urban distribution, with high incident numbers centered around large population centers (New York, Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles).
“The database also illustrates an urban distribution of mass fatality incidents (Figure 2), with high incident numbers centering around the large population centers (New York, Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingcitation§ Discussion
There is significant variability in the frequency of incidents by location and incident type.
“There is significant variability in the frequency of incidents by location and incident type”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [4]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Findingcitation§ Discussion
The median number of fatalities in these areas resembles the median number in other areas.
“The median number of fatalities in these areas resembles the median number in other areas.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [4]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Findingcitation§ Discussion
The database includes all multiple fatality incidents that occurred in the United States between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2014 that resulted in four or more fatalities.
“The database includes all multiple fatality incidents that occurred in the United States between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2014 that resulted in four or more fatalities.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [4]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Findingown data§ Discussion
There are predictable associations between mass fatality response characteristics and incident types (Table 1).
“There are some predictable associations between mass fatality response characteristics and incident types (Table 1) that can inform planning for and response to a particular incident.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data§ Discussion
The average number of fatalities is less variable by location, with the exception of the few locations within which very large incidents occurred (New York City and New Orleans).
“but the average number of fatalities is less variable by location (with the exception of the few locations within which very large incidents occurred [New York City and New Orleans]).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [4]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Findingown data§ Discussion
Other trauma-related incidents, including motor vehicle accidents (mass transit and non-mass transit), are more broadly distributed with concentrations in population centers.
“Other trauma-related incidents including motor vehicle accidents (both mass transit and non-mass transit are more broadly distributed with concentrations in population centers (Figure 3).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Premisecitation§ Discussion
The typical forensic anthropologist is adept at recognition and interpretation of skeletal trauma.
“The typical forensic anthropologist is adept at recognition and interpretation of skeletal trauma (9)”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [9]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Interpretationnone given§ Discussion
The utility of radiograph identification as a means to identify decedents is largely limited by the availability or lack of antemortem records.
“The utility of radiograph identification as a means to identify decedents is largely limited by the availability or lack of antemortem records.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationreasoning§ Discussion
There are mass fatality incidents that benefit heavily from anthropological interpretation of skeletal trauma, either because soft tissue is decomposed or damaged so soft tissue trauma cannot be evaluated, or because the pattern of trauma lends itself to skeletal reconstruction and interpretation.
“There are however, incidents that benefit heavily from anthropological interpretation of skeletal trauma, either because the overlying soft tissue is decomposed or otherwise damaged to the extent that soft tissue trauma cannot be evaluated, or because the particular pattern of trauma lends itself to skeletal reconstruction and interpretation.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation§ Discussion
The existing literature regarding anthropological contribution to mass fatality investigations adequately describes and justifies the inclusion of an anthropologist in large-scale mass fatality response.
“The existing literature regarding anthropological contribution to mass fatality investigations adequately describes and justifies the inclusion of an anthropologist in large-scale mass fatality response (1–3).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites [1]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites [2]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites [3]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation§ Discussion
The typical forensic anthropologist has considerable training and experience in the application of archaeological field methods.
“The typical forensic anthropologist has considerable training and experience in the application of archaeological field methods (7).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [7]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation§ Discussion
Development of the biological profile (estimations regarding a decedent's race, sex, stature, and age using skeletal morphology) is a core capability of the forensic anthropologist.
“Development of the biological profile (estimations regarding a decedent's race, sex, stature, and age using skeletal morphology) is a core capability of the forensic anthropologist (8).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [8]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation§ Discussion
Comparison of antemortem and postmortem skeletal radiographs is the mechanism used by the anthropologist to secure identifications of deceased remains.
“Comparison of antemortem and postmortem skeletal radiographs is the mechanism used by the anthropologist to secure identifications of deceased remains (10).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [10]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Interpretationreasoning§ Discussion
The number of fatalities is not of particular utility in and of itself as an indicator of the complexity of a mass fatality response.
“The other oft-cited component of mass fatality response that is not of particular utility in and of itself as an indicator of the complexity of a response is the number of fatalities.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning§ Discussion
Small mass fatality incidents can present significant obstacles to effective management by a typical medical examiner/coroner operation.
“can present significant obstacles to effective management by a typical medical examiner/coroner operation.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationreasoning§ Conclusion
There is significant utility for the forensic anthropologist in smaller mass fatality incidents.
“there is significant utility for the forensic anthropologist in the smaller mass fatality incidents that occur much more frequently across the United States.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Smaller mass fatality incidents occur much more frequently across the United States than large-scale mass fatality incidents.
- Rests on an assumption: The role of the forensic anthropologist has been described in existing mass fatality literature primarily in the context of large-scale mass fatality incidents.
- Interpretationreasoning§ Discussion
Large-scale terrorist incidents like 9/11 are the most complex mass fatality incidents to manage because they involve a criminal component and a variety of taphonomic factors.
“Large-scale terrorist incidents like 9/11 are the most complex to manage because they involve a criminal component as well as a variety of taphonomic factors.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationreasoning§ Discussion
Incidents become complex very quickly with the introduction of certain taphonomic influences.
“meaning that incidents become complex very quickly with the introduction of certain taphonomic influences.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Mass fatality variables like fragmentation, commingling, and thermal damage often co-vary.
- Interpretationreasoning§ Discussion
The predictable associations between mass fatality response characteristics and incident types can inform planning for and response to a particular incident.
“There are some predictable associations between mass fatality response characteristics and incident types (Table 1) that can inform planning for and response to a particular incident.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
- It may state two separate claims as one. 7
- Probably not a substantial claim. 26
It may state two separate claims as one.
Findingcitation§ DiscussionA total of 2934 incidents met the criteria for inclusion in the database, accounting for more than 19 000 fatalities.
“A total of 2934 incidents met the criteria for inclusion in the database, accounting for more than 19 000 fatalities.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [4]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Findingnone given§ DiscussionHomicide incidents in the database center around population centers.
“Homicide incidents also center around population centers.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Findingown data§ DiscussionThe revised mapping of the database demonstrates a high density and frequency of mass shootings in the east, as well as more isolated large-scale incidents in California and Florida.
“The revised mapping demonstrates a high density and frequency of mass shootings in the east, as well as more isolated large-scale incidents in California and Florida (Figure 5).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Findingown data§ DiscussionWeather-related incident distribution reflects hurricane and tornado susceptibility, with higher concentrations of tornadoes in the central section of the country and hurricanes distributed along the Gulf and Atlantic coastlines.
“Weather-related incident distribution reflects hurricane and tornado susceptibility with higher concentrations of tornadoes in the central section of the country and hurricanes distributed along the Gulf and Atlantic coastlines (Figure 4).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Premisecitation§ DiscussionArchaeological field methods exist to ensure the preservation of contextual information associated with items recovered from archaeological sites, and can be employed in the forensic context to ensure that the location and contextual data recovered meet evidentiary standards.
“These methods exist to ensure the preservation of contextual information associated with items recovered from archaeological sites, and can be employed in the forensic context to ensure that the location and contextual data recovered meet evidentiary standards.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [7]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim.
Premisecitation§ DiscussionThe focus of the above listed publications is on large-scale incidents with large numbers of fatalities and high levels of fragmentation, commingling, and other taphonomic factors.
“However, the focus of each of the above listed publications is on large-scale incidents with large numbers of fatalities and high levels of fragmentation, commingling, and other taphonomic factors.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites [1]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites [2]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites [3]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
Premisecitation§ IntroductionPrior publications identify the following as the primary contributions made by the anthropologist during recent mass fatality incident responses: anthropological recovery of remains from the mass fatality site, resolution of commingling, provision of biological profile estimations, interpretation of skeletal trauma, and radiographic identification.
“These publications identify the following as the primary contributions made by the anthropologist during recent mass fatality incident responses: anthropological recovery of remains from the mass fatality site, resolution of commingling, provision of biological profile estimations, interpretation of skeletal trauma, and radiographic identification.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites [1]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites [2]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites [3]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Interpretationreasoning§ DiscussionAn office accustomed to frequent use of radiographic identification on daily cases may find that acquiring antemortem records for nonlocal decedents may diminish the utility of radiography as a means to identification.
“An office that is accustomed to frequent use of radiographic identification on its daily cases may find that acquiring antemortem records for nonlocal decedents may diminish the utility of radiography as a means to identification.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Availability of antemortem records should not vary significantly with daily cases at a single office.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Interpretationreasoning§ AbstractThe forensic anthropologist is uniquely suited for a significant role in mass fatality disaster response, as demonstrated by their contributions to recovery and triage of human remains, interpretation of skeletal trauma, and identification of victims.
“The forensic anthropologist is uniquely suited for a significant role in the disaster response, demonstrated in the recovery and triage of human remains, interpretation of skeletal trauma, and identification of victims.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Mass fatality incidents require a multi-agency, multidisciplinary response to effectively and efficiently manage the recovery and identification of human remains.
- Rests on an assumption: The majority of published literature discusses mass fatality response operations in the context of large-scale incidents with significant numbers of highly fragmented and commingled human remains, which does not reflect the operational reality of mass fatality incidents in the United States.
- Rests on an assumption: A medical examiner/coroner jurisdiction's susceptibility to large-scale catastrophic incidents is real, but far outweighed by its susceptibility to smaller incidents that may also disrupt their operations.
- Rests on an assumption: The occurrence of even a small mass fatality incident can present significant challenges to a local medicolegal authority.
- Rests on an assumption: The fatalities associated with a mass fatality incident must be managed in excess of daily caseload and often require additional or atypical processing methodologies.
- Rests on an assumption: There is often a shift in emphasis from determination of cause and manner of death to personal identification in mass fatality incident response.
- Rests on an assumption: Some incident types, particularly mass shootings of the variety that have become commonplace in the United States, necessitate that the emphasis of the medicolegal investigation focus on careful analysis and interpretation of patterns of traumatic injury in addition to identification.
- Rests on an assumption: A medicolegal authority's response to a multiple or mass fatality incident will vary based on the circumstances of the incident and the capability of the local medicolegal jurisdiction to manage it.
- Rests on an assumption: The utility of the anthropologist in mass fatality incident response varies considerably depending on the circumstances of a particular incident.
- Rests on an assumption: The application of archaeological methods can be scaled up or down depending on incident circumstances.
- Rests on an assumption: Many of the techniques applied by the forensic anthropologist resemble those utilized by law enforcement crime scene technicians.
- Rests on an assumption: The benefits of applying techniques by an anthropologist are that the anthropologist operates as a medicolegal (rather than law enforcement) practitioner and that anthropologists combine their knowledge of recovery methods with a detailed knowledge of fragmentary skeletal anatomy.
- Rests on an assumption: Most forensic anthropologists have experience in the recovery and identification of isolated or fragmentary remains, and are thus adept at resolving commingling of remains both at the scene and in the morgue.
- Rests on an assumption: In the morgue, anthropologists use their detailed knowledge of skeletal anatomy to develop a minimum number of individuals (MNI) based on the inventory of remains present in a particular assemblage.
- Rests on an assumption: At the mass fatality site, the anthropologist can often circumvent later commingling issues via in situ re-approximation of skeletal elements.
- Rests on an assumption: Physical anthropologists are typically trained to consider variation in these traits on a population level, but their methods are applicable to individual cases.
- Rests on an assumption: These methods are appropriate for use during mass fatality incident responses, and are invaluable tools for facilitating identifications by reducing the pool of possible identities for a set of remains.
- Rests on an assumption: Some portions of the skeleton are more valuable for the development of the biological profile than others, but limited demographic inferences can often be pulled from fragmentary remains, making biological profile estimation a valuable tool in the DVI component of a mass fatality incident response.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Interpretationreasoning§ DiscussionDetailed anthropological interpretation of skeletal trauma is not always of particular utility, for example when trauma is pervasive and there is no criminal component.
“Detailed anthropological interpretation of these injuries is not always of particular utility, for example, in cases when trauma is pervasive and there is no criminal component.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
Premisecitation§ IntroductionThe roles of the anthropologist in the mass fatality context have been previously described in detail, including historical accounts of incident responses during which anthropologists made significant contributions.
“The roles of the anthropologist in the mass fatality context have been previously described in detail, including historical accounts of incident responses during which anthropologists made significant contributions (1–3).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites [1]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites [2]
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- cites [3]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Interpretationnone given§ DiscussionDirection of fire and sequence of injury can be very valuable in the investigation of mass shooting incidents.
“For example, direction of fire and sequence of injury can be very valuable in the investigation of mass shooting incidents.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Interpretationreasoning§ DiscussionMass fatality incidents may represent a significant and abrupt shift in the utility of radiographic comparison, depending on factors including the degree of fragmentation and the origin of the decedents requiring identification.
“Mass fatality incidents may represent a significant and abrupt shift in the utility of radiographic comparison, depending on a variety of factors including the degree of fragmentation and the origin of the decedents requiring identification.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Availability of antemortem records should not vary significantly with daily cases at a single office.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Interpretationnone given§ DiscussionLarge mass fatality incidents are relatively uncommon.
“The reality is that these large incidents are relatively uncommon”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim.
Interpretationreasoning§ DiscussionAs a result of the focus on large-scale incidents, the current literature implies that mass fatality incidents necessitate an all or nothing response strategy.
“As a result of the focus on large-scale incidents, the current literature implies that mass fatality incidents necessitate an all or nothing response strategy.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Interpretationreasoning§ DiscussionA small open population incident where the victims' identities are unknown may require additional emphasis on decedent identification and the utility of multiple identification methods (e.g., fingerprints, radiographs, dental, DNA).
“but may require additional emphasis on decedent identification and the utility of multiple identification methods (e.g., fingerprints, radiographs, dental, DNA).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Interpretationnone given§ DiscussionOpen population incidents are generally more difficult to manage than closed population incidents.
“(e.g., open population incidents are generally more difficult to manage than closed population incidents).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Interpretationnone given§ DiscussionA large number of intact remains may be considerably easier to manage than a smaller number of fragmented, commingled and thermally damaged remains.
“A large number of intact remains may be considerably easier to manage than a smaller number of fragmented, commingled and thermally damaged remains.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim.
Premisecitation§ DiscussionThe database is intended to generate a realistic definition of the term "mass fatality" for local jurisdictions that are in the process of developing mass fatality incident response plans.
“The database is intended to generate a realistic definition of the term “mass fatality” for local jurisdictions that are in the process of developing mass fatality incident response plans.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [4]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.
Premisenone given§ DiscussionThe above listed references are compelling but largely anecdotal.
“the above listed references are compelling but largely anecdotal.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence.
Interpretationreasoning§ DiscussionA measured, incident-specific response rather than a rigid all or nothing response strategy allows for reconciliation of the activation of modified methods with the continued demands of daily casework.
“A measured, incident-specific response rather than a rigid all or nothing response strategy allows for reconciliation of the activation of modified methods with the continued demands of daily casework.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Interpretationreasoning§ ConclusionThe forensic anthropologist is often uniquely suited to support mass fatality incident operations and preparedness due to their varied expertise in site management, morgue operations, trauma interpretation and identification methods.
“The forensic anthropologist is often uniquely suited to support mass fatality incident operations and preparedness due to their varied expertise in site management, morgue operations, trauma interpretation and identification methods.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim.
Interpretationreasoning§ DiscussionFederal guidance for mass fatality planning is often of minimal utility for medium or small jurisdictions with limited or no mass fatality response capabilities.
“This guidance is often of minimal utility for medium or small jurisdictions with limited or no mass fatality response capabilities.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Local medical examiner/coroner jurisdictions often seek guidance for mass fatality planning from federal initiatives associated with emergency management grant programs.
- Rests on an assumption: These federal initiatives intend to provide preparedness benchmarks for large emergency management jurisdictions located in large urban areas.
- Rests on an assumption: These programs are typically focused on preparations for catastrophic manmade or natural incidents that involve large numbers of decedents in complicated environments.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Interpretationnone given§ DiscussionIncidents of the scale described typically require significant workflow modification at both the scene and in the morgue.
“Incidents of this scale typically require significant workflow modification at both the scene and in the morgue.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Interpretationnone given§ DiscussionA small open population incident where the victims' identities are unknown may be managed using standard operations.
“Similarly, a small open population incident where the victims' identities are unknown may be managed using standard operations”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Interpretationreasoning§ DiscussionThe management and response to complex mass fatality incident characteristics benefit from the involvement of a forensic anthropologist for functions such as scene processing, resolution of commingling, skeletal trauma analysis, and identification.
“The management and response to these complex incident characteristics benefit from the involvement of a forensic anthropologist for the above described functions (e.g., scene processing, resolution of commingling, skeletal trauma analysis, identification).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Premisenone given§ DiscussionThere is currently little data-supported literature examining the importance of forensic scientists, including anthropologists, in mass fatality response.
“Regardless of incident scale, there is currently little in the way of data supported literature examining the importance of forensic scientists (including anthropologists) in mass fatality response”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Interpretationreasoning§ DiscussionA mass shooting with eight victims may simply require an increased number of staff for scene response and pathology examination, incorporating the decedents into the daily case volume, rather than a complete departure from the office's daily operation.
“For example, a mass shooting with eight victims may simply require an increased number of staff for scene response and pathology examination, incorporating the decedents into the daily case volume, rather than a complete departure from the office's daily operation.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
Premisecitation§ DiscussionIn 2016, Woody et al. developed a database from which a variety of inferences can be made, including the utility of particular expertise in mass fatality incident response.
“In 2016, Woody et al. developed a database from which a variety of inferences can be made, including the utility of particular expertise in mass fatality incident response (4).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [4]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Interpretationnone given§ DiscussionSmall mass fatality incidents have become commonplace in the United States.
“but that the small incidents that have become commonplace in the United States”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
The paper relies on this without support.
Mass fatality incidents require a multi-agency, multidisciplinary response to effectively and efficiently manage the recovery and identification of human remains.
“Mass fatality incidents require a multi-agency, multidisciplinary response to effectively and efficiently manage the recovery and identification of human remains.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The majority of published literature discusses mass fatality response operations in the context of large-scale incidents with significant numbers of highly fragmented and commingled human remains, which does not reflect the operational reality of mass fatality incidents in the United States.
“However, the majority of published literature discusses these response operations in the context of large-scale incidents with significant numbers of highly fragmented and commingled human remains, which does not reflect the operational reality of mass fatality incidents in the United States.”
The paper relies on this without support.
A medical examiner/coroner jurisdiction's susceptibility to large-scale catastrophic incidents is real, but far outweighed by its susceptibility to smaller incidents that may also disrupt their operations.
“The primary audience for this article is the medical examiner/coroner jurisdiction whose susceptibility to large-scale catastrophic incidents is real, but far outweighed by its susceptibility to smaller incidents that may also disrupt their operations.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The occurrence of even a small mass fatality incident can present significant challenges to a local medicolegal authority.
“The occurrence of even a small mass fatality incident can present significant challenges to a local medicolegal authority.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The fatalities associated with a mass fatality incident must be managed in excess of daily caseload and often require additional or atypical processing methodologies.
“The fatalities associated with the incident must be managed in excess of daily caseload and often require additional or atypical processing methodologies.”
The paper relies on this without support.
There is often a shift in emphasis from determination of cause and manner of death to personal identification in mass fatality incident response.
“For example, there is often a shift in emphasis from determination of cause and manner of death to personal identification.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Some incident types, particularly mass shootings of the variety that have become commonplace in the United States, necessitate that the emphasis of the medicolegal investigation focus on careful analysis and interpretation of patterns of traumatic injury in addition to identification.
“On the other hand, some incident types, particularly mass shootings of the variety that have become commonplace in the United States, necessitate that the emphasis of the medicolegal investigation focus on careful analysis and interpretation of patterns of traumatic injury in addition to identification.”
The paper relies on this without support.
A medicolegal authority's response to a multiple or mass fatality incident will vary based on the circumstances of the incident and the capability of the local medicolegal jurisdiction to manage it.
“A medicolegal authority's response to a multiple or mass fatality incident will vary based on the circumstances of the incident and the capability of the local medicolegal jurisdiction to manage it.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The utility of the anthropologist in mass fatality incident response varies considerably depending on the circumstances of a particular incident.
“Likewise, the utility of the anthropologist in mass fatality incident response varies considerably depending on the circumstances of a particular incident.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The application of archaeological methods can be scaled up or down depending on incident circumstances.
“First, the application of archaeological methods can be scaled up or down depending on incident circumstances.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Detailed total station mapping is not necessary for simple incidents but may be of considerable utility for cases that may benefit from later reconstruction.
“For example, detailed total station mapping is not necessary for simple incidents but may be of considerable utility for cases that may benefit from later reconstruction.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Many of the techniques applied by the forensic anthropologist resemble those utilized by law enforcement crime scene technicians.
“Secondly, many of the techniques applied by the forensic anthropologist resemble those utilized by law enforcement crime scene technicians.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The benefits of applying techniques by an anthropologist are that the anthropologist operates as a medicolegal (rather than law enforcement) practitioner and that anthropologists combine their knowledge of recovery methods with a detailed knowledge of fragmentary skeletal anatomy.
“The benefits of their application by an anthropologist is 1) that the anthropologist is operating as a medicolegal (rather than law enforcement) practitioner and 2) that anthropologists combine their knowledge of recovery methods with a detailed knowledge of fragmentary skeletal anatomy.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Most forensic anthropologists have experience in the recovery and identification of isolated or fragmentary remains, and are thus adept at resolving commingling of remains both at the scene and in the morgue.
“Most forensic anthropologists have experience in the recovery and identification of isolated or fragmentary remains, and are thus adept at resolving commingling of remains both at the scene and in the morgue.”
The paper relies on this without support.
In the morgue, anthropologists use their detailed knowledge of skeletal anatomy to develop a minimum number of individuals (MNI) based on the inventory of remains present in a particular assemblage.
“In the morgue, anthropologists will use their detailed knowledge of skeletal anatomy to develop a minimum number of individuals (MNI) based on the inventory of remains present in a particular assemblage.”
The paper relies on this without support.
At the mass fatality site, the anthropologist can often circumvent later commingling issues via in situ re-approximation of skeletal elements.
“At the mass fatality site, the anthropologist can often circumvent later commingling issues via in situ re-approximation of skeletal elements.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Physical anthropologists are typically trained to consider variation in these traits on a population level, but their methods are applicable to individual cases.
“Physical anthropologists are typically trained to consider variation in these traits on a population level, but their methods are applicable to individual cases.”
The paper relies on this without support.
These methods are appropriate for use during mass fatality incident responses, and are invaluable tools for facilitating identifications by reducing the pool of possible identities for a set of remains.
“These methods are appropriate for use during mass fatality incident responses, and are invaluable tools for facilitating identifications by reducing the pool of possible identities for a set of remains.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Some portions of the skeleton are more valuable for the development of the biological profile than others, but limited demographic inferences can often be pulled from fragmentary remains, making biological profile estimation a valuable tool in the DVI component of a mass fatality incident response.
“Some portions of the skeleton are more valuable for the development of the biological profile than others, but limited demographic inferences can often be pulled from fragmentary remains making biological profile estimation a valuable tool in the DVI component of a mass fatality incident response.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Extensive skeletal trauma is often present on remains following a mass fatality incident.
“extensive skeletal trauma is often present on remains following a mass fatality incident.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The frequency of use of radiographic identification by medical examiners/coroners varies considerably.
“The frequency of use of radiographic identification by medical examiners/coroners varies considerably”
The paper relies on this without support.
Availability of antemortem records should not vary significantly with daily cases at a single office.
“but availability of records should not vary significantly with daily cases at a single office.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Mass fatality variables like fragmentation, commingling, and thermal damage often co-vary.
“mass fatality variables like fragmentation, commingling, and thermal damage often co-vary”
The paper relies on this without support.
Local medical examiner/coroner jurisdictions often seek guidance for mass fatality planning from federal initiatives associated with emergency management grant programs.
“local medical examiner/coroner jurisdictions often seek guidance for mass fatality planning from federal initiatives that are associated with emergency management grant programs”
The paper relies on this without support.
These federal initiatives intend to provide preparedness benchmarks for large emergency management jurisdictions located in large urban areas.
“and thus intend to provide preparedness benchmarks for large emergency management jurisdictions located in large urban areas.”
The paper relies on this without support.
These programs are typically focused on preparations for catastrophic manmade or natural incidents that involve large numbers of decedents in complicated environments.
“These programs are typically focused on preparations for catastrophic manmade or natural incidents that involve large numbers of decedents in complicated environments.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Smaller mass fatality incidents occur much more frequently across the United States than large-scale mass fatality incidents.
“there is significant utility for the forensic anthropologist in the smaller mass fatality incidents that occur much more frequently across the United States.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The role of the forensic anthropologist has been described in existing mass fatality literature primarily in the context of large-scale mass fatality incidents.
“While the role of the anthropologist has been described in the existing mass fatality literature, primarily within in the context of large-scale mass fatality incidents”
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.
National Association of Medical Examiners reference is outside the cited range
MinorThe text cites references 1-6 for a list that includes the National Association of Medical Examiners, but its listed reference is number 11.
“These large-scale incidents have resulted in a significant array of historical and planning guidance-oriented literature including Gursky et al., Saul and Saul, Mundorff, INTERPOL, International Committee of the Red Cross, and National Association of Medical Examiners (1–6).”
“11).Standard operating procedures for mass fatality management [Internet]. Marceline (MO): National Association of Medical Examiners; 2010.”
Citations
Cites
Integrating forensic anthropology into disaster victim identification
Mundorff, A. Z. (2011) · Forensic Science Medicine and Pathology · doi:10.1007/s12024-011-9275-0 · Cited by 70
The Biological Profile of Unidentified Human Remains in a Forensic Context
Austin, D., & King, R. E. (2016) · Academic Forensic Pathology · doi:10.23907/2016.039 · Cited by 64
Dirkmaat, D. C., & Cabo, L. L. (2016) · Academic Forensic Pathology · doi:10.23907/2016.045 · Cited by 53
Skeletal Trauma: An Anthropological Review
Love, J. C., & Wiersema, J. M. (2016) · Academic Forensic Pathology · doi:10.23907/2016.047 · Cited by 35
Self-citationEvolution of Forensic Anthropological Methods of Identification
Wiersema, J. M. (2016) · Academic Forensic Pathology · doi:10.23907/2016.038 · Cited by 13
Self-citation
Flagged first, then by citations
Research works printed but not linked: 2
- SaulF., Mather SaulJ. Hard evidence: case studies in forensic anthropology. 1st ed. Upper Saddle River (NJ): Prentice Hall; c2003. Chapter 20, Planes, trains, and fireworks: the evolving role of the forensic anthropologist in mass fatality incidents; p. 266–77.
- WoodyA., WiersemaJ., DePaoloF. Defining “mass fatality incident” for medicolegal jurisdictions in the United States: a planning tool [Internet]. In: Proceedings of the 68th annual meetings of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences; 2016 Feb 22-27; Las Vegas, NV. Colorado Springs (CO): American Academy of Forensic Sciences; c2016. p. 793. Available from: http://www.aafs.org/wp-content/uploads/2016Proceedings.pdf.
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Carroll, E. J., Johnson, A. M., DePaolo, F., Adams, B. J., Mazone, D., & Sampson, B. A. (2017) · Academic Forensic Pathology · doi:10.23907/2017.029 · Cited by 19
Evolution of Forensic Anthropological Methods of Identification
Wiersema, J. M. (2016) · Academic Forensic Pathology · doi:10.23907/2016.038 · Cited by 13
Self-citationAdvances in commingled human remains analysis between 2014 and 2023
Palmiotto, A., Maijanen, H., LeGarde, C. B., & Ingvoldstad, M. E. (2023) · Journal of Forensic Sciences · doi:10.1111/1556-4029.15437 · Cited by 10
Umbrella review: CT of frontal, maxillary and sphenoidal sinuses for sexual dimorphism
Anees, W., Moreira, D. D., Arakelyan, M., Vieira, W. D. A., Paranhos, L. R., & Franco, A. (2025) · Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102838 · Cited by 6
The scene investigation, postmortem changes, and time of death
Ely, S. F., Keyes, K. A., & Gill, J. R. (2023) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-323-91796-4.00030-1 · Cited by 3
Seigfried‐Spellar, K. C., & Tyagi, S. (2025) · Journal of Forensic Sciences · doi:10.1111/1556-4029.70244 · Cited by 2
Voichenko, V. V., Костенко, Є. Я., Goncharuk-Khomyn, M., Brekhlichuk, P., Povstyaniy, V., Levchenko, V., Chadiuk, V. O., Ivaskevych, I. B., & Гамалюк, Б. М. (2025) · Sudovo-medična ekspertiza · doi:10.24061/2707-8728.1.2025.10 · Cited by 2
Костенко, Є. Я., Goncharuk-Khomyn, M., Voichenko, V. V., Povstianyi, V., & Dyadyk, O. (2025) · Sudovo-medična ekspertiza · doi:10.24061/2707-8728.1.2025.3 · Cited by 1
Ely, S. F., & Gill, J. R. (2023) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-323-91796-4.00013-1
THE ROLE OF FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGISTS: A REVIEW OF THE SITUATION IN BRAZIL
de Oliveira, A. C. (2025) · International Seven Journal of Health Research · doi:10.56238/isevjhv4n5-001
Afet Yönetimi ve Kitlesel Ölüm Olaylarında Adli Antropolojinin Rolü
GÜLHAN, Ö. (2025) · Afet ve Risk Dergisi · doi:10.35341/afet.1680104
THE ROLE OF FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGISTS: A REVIEW OF THE SITUATION IN BRAZIL
de Oliveira, A. C. (2025) · Seven Editora eBooks · doi:10.56238/sevened2025.031-031
Forensic Recovery of Human Remains
Schultz, J. J., Williams, L. J., Pokines, J. T., Dupras, T. L., & Wheeler, S. M. (2026) · CRC Press eBooks · doi:10.4324/9781315201658
Sirago, G., Esposito, M., Sessa, F., Salerno, M., Solarino, B., Dell'Erba, A., & Ferorelli, D. (2026) · Medicine Science and the Law · doi:10.1177/00258024261486205
Metadata
- Authors
- Wiersema, J. M., & Woody, A.
- Affiliations
- Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences (US)
- Corresponding author
- Wiersema, Jason M.
- Venue
- Academic Forensic Pathology
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Published
- 2016-09
- Volume
- 6
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 455-462
- ISSN
- 1925-3621 (ISSN-L)
- PMC
- PMC6474550
- OpenAlex
- W2606144158
- Semantic Scholar
- 1747e6a27123c5a8abc8eb05581fc223f985a5cb
- Cited by
- 9
- References
- 5
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 3 · 2023: 3 · 2017: 1 · 2016: 1
- FWCI
- 3.77
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- green
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Locations
- Academic Forensic Pathology (publishedVersion)
- Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion)
- PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Archeology (arts and humanities) › Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › Emergency Medical Services › Disaster Response and Management
- Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Insect Science › Forensic Entomology and Diptera Studies
- Keywords
- mass fatality incidents, forensic anthropology, human remains recovery, victim identification, disaster response, skeletal trauma, commingled human remains, death investigation, multidisciplinary response
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