SlideShare a Scribd company logo
DISPOSAL OF THE DEAD
By
Dr Olatunde Ajibola
MBBS(Lagos), MSc Public Health (Bournemouth)
DISPOSAL OF THE DEAD
Implications, Methods, Diseases
Associated with Treatment of the Dead
Definitions of Death
 The concepts of dying, death and being dead are inter-related, with
death being an all encompassing word for the three concepts.
 Death: An individual who has sustained either (1) irreversible
cessation of circulatory & respiratory functions , or (2) irreversible
cessation of all functions of the entire brain, including the
brainstem, is dead.
 The interval between the step 1 above and step 2, the individual is
said to be dying.
 Irreversible cessation of the brain function is now the gold-standard
for diagnosing death.
 Persistent Vegetative State(PVS): occurs when the brain is partly
damaged, or irretrievably damaged, with some vital organ functions
being sustained by life support equipment.
Implications of Human Deads
 Being dead is a rather philosophical speculation.
 Being able to read this lecture signify an
important fact: you are all alive!
 A Greek philosopher Epicurus reminds us that “so
long as we exist, death is not with us., when
death comes, then we do not exist”.
 The thought that the people we love will die,
whether before us or after us, is inevitably
painful.
 What is more: It is hard to reconcile ourselves to
the knowledge that we ourselves will finally exit
this mortal coil.
Implications cont”d
 The dead state brings to an end all activities, projects, relationships
and commitments that give sense & distinctiveness to one’s life.
 In humorous mood, death is the deadline for all assignments, and,
the end of the script with no hope of a sequel (unless you believe in
the afterlife).
 Treating time as an infinite commodity make some dying people see
death as a frightening process; to those who spend their time wisely,
‘life is long enough’.
 A life spent on frivolous pursuits, without any sense of direction, is
a life lacking in authencity.
Methods of Dead Disposal
 On the whole, dead bodies pose minimal health risk unless they
have died from a highly infectious disease, e.g. cholera.
 The form of disposal is normally dependent on the cultural
practices of the population concerned.
 Christians and Muslims opt for burial
 Buddhists & Hindus opt for cremation
 Suspended animation
 If the method of disposal chosen is burial, sufficient space would
need to be provided, suitable site, soil conditions and the depth of
the water must be appropriate.
 If Cremation is the option sufficient fuel must be available
Disposal of Dead Humans in Emergency
Situations
 In emergency situations, the collection and disposal of bodies are
urgent because of the possible social and political drama, far more
important than the possible health-related risks.
 Therefore, emergency relief teams should focus, primarily, on the
mental health of the community and its needs to carry out the
cultural obligations and traditions to take care of the dead, rather
than potential disease transmission.
Disposal of Dead Humans in Emergency
Situations: Disposal of Dead Humans in
Emergency Situations
 The widespread belief that corpses pose a risk of communicable
disease is wrong, especially if death resulted from trauma.
 Corpses are also unlikely to cause disease outbreaks like typhoid
fever, cholera, or plague, though they may transmit gastroenteritis
or food poisoning syndrome to survivors if they contaminate
streams, wells or other water sources.
 Except in cases of hemorrhagic fevers (such as Ebola, Marburg) and
cholera, dead bodies are generally not infectious.
Disposal of Dead Humans in Emergency
Situations: Mental Health Risks
 The psychological trauma of seeing death on a large scale and the
loss of loved ones is the greatest cause for concern.
 Collecting corpses immediately helps to mitigate the above
 It must be emphasized---it is not necessary to rush burials and
cremations, as this does not permit for the proper identification &
record taking of the details of the dead.
 Rushing burials & cremations, also, does not give the time for the
bereaved to carry out the ceremonial & cultural practices, which
would normally occur after a death.
Mortuary Services
 Secure morgue facilities for casualties are important following an
emergency, where there is an epidemic, or if burial or cremation is
to be delayed.
 A temporary mortuary site should consist of a reception, a viewing
room, a storage chamber not suitable for viewing and a room to
store personal possessions and records.
 10 bodies per 10,000 population is the recommended capacity for
a field morgue
 Bodies should be stored at 4 Celsius, although this is rarely
possible.

Equipment for Mortuary Services in
Major DIsasters
 Stainless steel postmortem tables or heavy duty trestle tables
covered with plastic
sheeting.
 Wheeled trolleys for transporting bodies within
the mortuary.
 Tarpaulin or plastic sheeting for the floor, if it is
not made of concrete.
 Heavy-duty black plastic sheeting for
temporary screens.
 Refuse bins and bags.
Equipment for Mortuary Services in
Major Disasters (cont’d)
 Cleaning materials – mops, buckets, cloths,
soap, towels
 Disinfectant and deodorizer.
 Protective clothing and heavy-duty rubber
gloves.
 Translucent plastic body bags 0.1 mm thick
and labels (if epidemic circumstances).
 Wall charts to record progress or large poster
boards if there are no walls
Identification of Bodies in Emergencies
 Records of deaths & funerals need to be kept to monitor mortality
rates and the incidence of disease, to be able to provide timely,
understandable and accurate information to the relatives of the
dead.
 Therefore, one of the major challenges of effective management of
dead bodies is their early identification and tagging.
 Displaying bodies for identification needs space; 1000 bodies
require over 2000m2.
 Identification can be a lengthy process, especially where no
personal documentation is carried.
 When relatives and friends of the dead are involved, it must be
remembered that visual identification is not scientific
Identification of Bodies in Emergencies
 In emergency, situations, this process is even more difficult as it
may be necessary for relatives to view numerous bodies in the hope
that they will make an identification.
 The scenario above should be avoided
 Where possible, it is important to differentiate viewing a body for
identification from viewing a body for grieving purposes. Separate
locations should be provided for both.
 Once identified, a death certificate should be issued, an official
record of death prepared an the body tagged.
 With violent deaths, it is also important to record the cause of
death for possible future investigation.
Body Disposal in Emergency Conditions:
Burial
 Burials in common graves and mass cremations are rarely warranted
and should be avoided.
 Burial is the preferred method of body disposal in emergency
situations unless there are cultural and religious observances which
prohibit it.
 The location of graveyards should be agreed with the community.
 Attention should be given to ground conditions: proximity to
groundwater drinking sources (which should be at least 50m) and to
the nearest habitat (500 m).
 An area of at least 1500m2 per 10 000 population is required.

Body Disposal in Emergency Conditions
(Cont”d)
 The burial site can be divided to accommodate different religious
groups, if necessary.
 Burial depth should be at least 1.5m above the groundwater table,
with at least a 1m covering soil.
 Burial in individual graves is preferred and can be dug manually.
 If coffins are not available, corpses should be wrapped in plastic
sheeting to keep the remains separate from the soil.
 Burial procedures should be consistent with the usual practices of
the community concerned
Body Disposal in Emergency Conditions:
Cremation
 There are no health advantages of cremation over burial but some
communities may prefer it for religious or cultural reasons.
 Factors against it are the amount of fuel required by a single
cremation (approx 300kg. wood) and the smoke pollution
caused.
 Ideally, cremation sites should be located 500m downwind of
dwellings.
 The resultant ashes should be disposed of according to the cultural
& religious practice of the community.
ACTIONS IN MEDICAL EPIDEMICS
 Specialist medical staff should ideally be the ones handling bodies in
a medical epidemic.
 Rather than using lime for disinfection purposes, which has a limited
effect on infectious pathogens, it is better to use chlorine or other
medical disinfectants.
 Any vehicles used to transport bodies to burial or cremation sites
during epidemics should also be disinfected after use.
 Communities should be tutored on the harmful effect of traditional
washing of the dead.
 Also, any large gathering, including a funeral, can be a way of
spreading an epidemic, thus, burial or cremation should take place
soon after death at a site near the place of death with limits placed
on attendance
ACTIONS IN MEDICAL
EPIDEMICS:
 CHOLERA- Contact with body leads to exposure to cholera vibrios and
requires careful washing using soap and water.
 EBOLA- It spreads through bodily secretions such as blood, saliva,
vomit, urine and stools, but can easily be killed with soap and water.
 Those dealing with the disposal of bodies require high levels of
protection
 TYPHUS & PLAGUE--To avoid infestation with the fleas and lice that
spread these diseases, protective clothing should be worn. Body bags
should be used to store the bodies prior to burial or cremation.
SUMMARY: IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES
 Give priority to the living over the dead.
 Dispel myths about health risks posed by
corpses.
 Identify and tag corpses
 Provide appropriate mortuary services.
 Reject unceremonious and mass disposal of
unidentified corpses.
 Respond to the wishes of the family.
 Respect cultural and religious observances.
 Protect communities from the transmission
of medical epidemics.
Bibliography
 2020. -1- Infection Prevention and Control for the safe management of a dead
body in the context of COVID-19. 1st ed. [ebook] Geneva: WHO. Available at:
<https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/331538/WHO-COVID-19-
lPC_DBMgmt-2020.1-eng.pdf> [Accessed 19 March 2022].
 Fisher, J., 2004. 1WHO/SEARO Technical Notes for Emergencies Technical Note
No. 8 Disposal of dead bodies in emergency conditions. 8th ed. [ebook] New
Delhi: WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia. Available at:
<https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/hygiene/emergencies/deadbo
dies.pdf?ua=1> [Accessed 19 March 2022].
 Scarre, G., 2022. Read - Death: Geoffrey Scarre - desLibris. [online]
Deslibris.ca. Available at: <https://www.deslibris.ca/ID/447867> [Accessed 19
March 2022].
THE END
Thanks for listening

More Related Content

What's hot

DISASTER MANAGEMENT -GENERAL
DISASTER MANAGEMENT -GENERALDISASTER MANAGEMENT -GENERAL
DISASTER MANAGEMENT -GENERAL
MAHESWARI JAIKUMAR
 
Disaster management
Disaster managementDisaster management
Disaster management
RakhiYadav53
 
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
DISASTER MANAGEMENTDISASTER MANAGEMENT
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
MAHESWARI JAIKUMAR
 
water carriage and sewage system
water carriage and sewage system water carriage and sewage system
water carriage and sewage system
dushan madumal
 
Disposal of waste
Disposal of wasteDisposal of waste
Disposal of waste
pramod kumar
 
Community assessment format
Community assessment formatCommunity assessment format
Community assessment format
anjalatchi
 
International health agencies
International health agenciesInternational health agencies
International health agencies
Arun Singh
 
Dynamics Of Disease Transmission
Dynamics Of Disease TransmissionDynamics Of Disease Transmission
Dynamics Of Disease Transmission
Akhilesh Bhargava
 
Disaster management
Disaster management Disaster management
Disaster management
Mahesh Chand
 
Food hygiene and control
Food hygiene and controlFood hygiene and control
Food hygiene and control
mappleorange
 
Purification of water
Purification of waterPurification of water
Purification of water
Moumita Pal
 
Environment and Public Health
Environment and Public HealthEnvironment and Public Health
Environment and Public Health
Arushi Chandel
 
Environmental+sanitation
Environmental+sanitationEnvironmental+sanitation
Environmental+sanitation
pramod kumar
 
Water
WaterWater
Disaster management Community health
Disaster management Community healthDisaster management Community health
Disaster management Community health
Kailash Nagar
 
Disposal of wastes
Disposal of wastesDisposal of wastes
Disposal of wastes
Harsh Rastogi
 
Alma-Ata Conferance 2018
Alma-Ata Conferance 2018Alma-Ata Conferance 2018
Alma-Ata Conferance 2018
Chhail Meena
 
Disaster management
Disaster managementDisaster management
Disaster management
utpal sharma
 
Chlorination of well
Chlorination of wellChlorination of well
Chlorination of well
TeenaGoswami2
 
Disaster management ppt
Disaster management pptDisaster management ppt
Disaster management ppt
Meely Panda
 

What's hot (20)

DISASTER MANAGEMENT -GENERAL
DISASTER MANAGEMENT -GENERALDISASTER MANAGEMENT -GENERAL
DISASTER MANAGEMENT -GENERAL
 
Disaster management
Disaster managementDisaster management
Disaster management
 
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
DISASTER MANAGEMENTDISASTER MANAGEMENT
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
 
water carriage and sewage system
water carriage and sewage system water carriage and sewage system
water carriage and sewage system
 
Disposal of waste
Disposal of wasteDisposal of waste
Disposal of waste
 
Community assessment format
Community assessment formatCommunity assessment format
Community assessment format
 
International health agencies
International health agenciesInternational health agencies
International health agencies
 
Dynamics Of Disease Transmission
Dynamics Of Disease TransmissionDynamics Of Disease Transmission
Dynamics Of Disease Transmission
 
Disaster management
Disaster management Disaster management
Disaster management
 
Food hygiene and control
Food hygiene and controlFood hygiene and control
Food hygiene and control
 
Purification of water
Purification of waterPurification of water
Purification of water
 
Environment and Public Health
Environment and Public HealthEnvironment and Public Health
Environment and Public Health
 
Environmental+sanitation
Environmental+sanitationEnvironmental+sanitation
Environmental+sanitation
 
Water
WaterWater
Water
 
Disaster management Community health
Disaster management Community healthDisaster management Community health
Disaster management Community health
 
Disposal of wastes
Disposal of wastesDisposal of wastes
Disposal of wastes
 
Alma-Ata Conferance 2018
Alma-Ata Conferance 2018Alma-Ata Conferance 2018
Alma-Ata Conferance 2018
 
Disaster management
Disaster managementDisaster management
Disaster management
 
Chlorination of well
Chlorination of wellChlorination of well
Chlorination of well
 
Disaster management ppt
Disaster management pptDisaster management ppt
Disaster management ppt
 

Similar to Disposal of the Dead

GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES, HUMAN HEALTH AND DISEASE
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES, HUMAN HEALTH AND DISEASEGLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES, HUMAN HEALTH AND DISEASE
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES, HUMAN HEALTH AND DISEASE
DR SARITA SHARMA
 
Class #7
Class #7Class #7
Class #7
SAECHeights
 
Zoonosis history and bacterial zoonotic diseases
Zoonosis history and bacterial zoonotic diseasesZoonosis history and bacterial zoonotic diseases
Zoonosis history and bacterial zoonotic diseases
Deepika Jain
 
The plague
The plagueThe plague
The plague
chicaking
 
newmicrosoftpowerpointpresentation-210107133025.pdf
newmicrosoftpowerpointpresentation-210107133025.pdfnewmicrosoftpowerpointpresentation-210107133025.pdf
newmicrosoftpowerpointpresentation-210107133025.pdf
PriyankaSharma89719
 
Disaster management
Disaster managementDisaster management
Disaster management
Dr. Saurabh Agrawal
 
DISASTER.pptx
DISASTER.pptxDISASTER.pptx
DISASTER.pptx
Sapna Thakur
 
DISCUSSION 1Describe the origins and nature of hospice care..docx
DISCUSSION 1Describe the origins and nature of hospice care..docxDISCUSSION 1Describe the origins and nature of hospice care..docx
DISCUSSION 1Describe the origins and nature of hospice care..docx
SusanaFurman449
 
Death & Care of dead body
Death & Care of dead  bodyDeath & Care of dead  body
Death & Care of dead body
Renil Robert
 
Epidemiology
EpidemiologyEpidemiology
Epidemiology
Sukriti Singh
 
Lice Fact Sheet
Lice Fact SheetLice Fact Sheet
Lice Fact SheetShawnh
 
chapter 19 Death, Dying, and BereavementMourners on the isla.docx
chapter 19 Death, Dying, and BereavementMourners on the isla.docxchapter 19 Death, Dying, and BereavementMourners on the isla.docx
chapter 19 Death, Dying, and BereavementMourners on the isla.docx
walterl4
 
Prevention and control of ebola virus
Prevention and control of ebola virusPrevention and control of ebola virus
Prevention and control of ebola virus
Rajarshi Gupta
 
Hospital Infectious Materials Waste Management
Hospital Infectious Materials Waste ManagementHospital Infectious Materials Waste Management
Hospital Infectious Materials Waste Management
Amjad Afridi
 
Introduction to the Management of Infectious MaterialsWaste.pptx
Introduction to the Management of Infectious MaterialsWaste.pptxIntroduction to the Management of Infectious MaterialsWaste.pptx
Introduction to the Management of Infectious MaterialsWaste.pptx
Amjad Afridi
 
Public health in disaster
Public health in disasterPublic health in disaster
Public health in disaster
Dr. H.M.A. Mahzuz
 
Black death
Black deathBlack death
Black death
Janita Asif
 
Wash in plague response
Wash in plague responseWash in plague response
Wash in plague response
Margarita Griffith
 

Similar to Disposal of the Dead (20)

GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES, HUMAN HEALTH AND DISEASE
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES, HUMAN HEALTH AND DISEASEGLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES, HUMAN HEALTH AND DISEASE
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES, HUMAN HEALTH AND DISEASE
 
Class #7
Class #7Class #7
Class #7
 
Zoonosis history and bacterial zoonotic diseases
Zoonosis history and bacterial zoonotic diseasesZoonosis history and bacterial zoonotic diseases
Zoonosis history and bacterial zoonotic diseases
 
Bubonicplague
BubonicplagueBubonicplague
Bubonicplague
 
The plague
The plagueThe plague
The plague
 
newmicrosoftpowerpointpresentation-210107133025.pdf
newmicrosoftpowerpointpresentation-210107133025.pdfnewmicrosoftpowerpointpresentation-210107133025.pdf
newmicrosoftpowerpointpresentation-210107133025.pdf
 
Infection Control in the Mortuary
Infection Control in the MortuaryInfection Control in the Mortuary
Infection Control in the Mortuary
 
Disaster management
Disaster managementDisaster management
Disaster management
 
DISASTER.pptx
DISASTER.pptxDISASTER.pptx
DISASTER.pptx
 
DISCUSSION 1Describe the origins and nature of hospice care..docx
DISCUSSION 1Describe the origins and nature of hospice care..docxDISCUSSION 1Describe the origins and nature of hospice care..docx
DISCUSSION 1Describe the origins and nature of hospice care..docx
 
Death & Care of dead body
Death & Care of dead  bodyDeath & Care of dead  body
Death & Care of dead body
 
Epidemiology
EpidemiologyEpidemiology
Epidemiology
 
Lice Fact Sheet
Lice Fact SheetLice Fact Sheet
Lice Fact Sheet
 
chapter 19 Death, Dying, and BereavementMourners on the isla.docx
chapter 19 Death, Dying, and BereavementMourners on the isla.docxchapter 19 Death, Dying, and BereavementMourners on the isla.docx
chapter 19 Death, Dying, and BereavementMourners on the isla.docx
 
Prevention and control of ebola virus
Prevention and control of ebola virusPrevention and control of ebola virus
Prevention and control of ebola virus
 
Hospital Infectious Materials Waste Management
Hospital Infectious Materials Waste ManagementHospital Infectious Materials Waste Management
Hospital Infectious Materials Waste Management
 
Introduction to the Management of Infectious MaterialsWaste.pptx
Introduction to the Management of Infectious MaterialsWaste.pptxIntroduction to the Management of Infectious MaterialsWaste.pptx
Introduction to the Management of Infectious MaterialsWaste.pptx
 
Public health in disaster
Public health in disasterPublic health in disaster
Public health in disaster
 
Black death
Black deathBlack death
Black death
 
Wash in plague response
Wash in plague responseWash in plague response
Wash in plague response
 

Recently uploaded

Phone Us ❤85270-49040❤ #ℂall #gIRLS In Surat By Surat @ℂall @Girls Hotel With...
Phone Us ❤85270-49040❤ #ℂall #gIRLS In Surat By Surat @ℂall @Girls Hotel With...Phone Us ❤85270-49040❤ #ℂall #gIRLS In Surat By Surat @ℂall @Girls Hotel With...
Phone Us ❤85270-49040❤ #ℂall #gIRLS In Surat By Surat @ℂall @Girls Hotel With...
Savita Shen $i11
 
MANAGEMENT OF ATRIOVENTRICULAR CONDUCTION BLOCK.pdf
MANAGEMENT OF ATRIOVENTRICULAR CONDUCTION BLOCK.pdfMANAGEMENT OF ATRIOVENTRICULAR CONDUCTION BLOCK.pdf
MANAGEMENT OF ATRIOVENTRICULAR CONDUCTION BLOCK.pdf
Jim Jacob Roy
 
Lung Cancer: Artificial Intelligence, Synergetics, Complex System Analysis, S...
Lung Cancer: Artificial Intelligence, Synergetics, Complex System Analysis, S...Lung Cancer: Artificial Intelligence, Synergetics, Complex System Analysis, S...
Lung Cancer: Artificial Intelligence, Synergetics, Complex System Analysis, S...
Oleg Kshivets
 
Hemodialysis: Chapter 3, Dialysis Water Unit - Dr.Gawad
Hemodialysis: Chapter 3, Dialysis Water Unit - Dr.GawadHemodialysis: Chapter 3, Dialysis Water Unit - Dr.Gawad
Hemodialysis: Chapter 3, Dialysis Water Unit - Dr.Gawad
NephroTube - Dr.Gawad
 
Are There Any Natural Remedies To Treat Syphilis.pdf
Are There Any Natural Remedies To Treat Syphilis.pdfAre There Any Natural Remedies To Treat Syphilis.pdf
Are There Any Natural Remedies To Treat Syphilis.pdf
Little Cross Family Clinic
 
Charaka Samhita Sutra sthana Chapter 15 Upakalpaniyaadhyaya
Charaka Samhita Sutra sthana Chapter 15 UpakalpaniyaadhyayaCharaka Samhita Sutra sthana Chapter 15 Upakalpaniyaadhyaya
Charaka Samhita Sutra sthana Chapter 15 Upakalpaniyaadhyaya
Dr KHALID B.M
 
The hemodynamic and autonomic determinants of elevated blood pressure in obes...
The hemodynamic and autonomic determinants of elevated blood pressure in obes...The hemodynamic and autonomic determinants of elevated blood pressure in obes...
The hemodynamic and autonomic determinants of elevated blood pressure in obes...
Catherine Liao
 
Physiology of Chemical Sensation of smell.pdf
Physiology of Chemical Sensation of smell.pdfPhysiology of Chemical Sensation of smell.pdf
Physiology of Chemical Sensation of smell.pdf
MedicoseAcademics
 
ARTHROLOGY PPT NCISM SYLLABUS AYURVEDA STUDENTS
ARTHROLOGY PPT NCISM SYLLABUS AYURVEDA STUDENTSARTHROLOGY PPT NCISM SYLLABUS AYURVEDA STUDENTS
ARTHROLOGY PPT NCISM SYLLABUS AYURVEDA STUDENTS
Dr. Vinay Pareek
 
New Directions in Targeted Therapeutic Approaches for Older Adults With Mantl...
New Directions in Targeted Therapeutic Approaches for Older Adults With Mantl...New Directions in Targeted Therapeutic Approaches for Older Adults With Mantl...
New Directions in Targeted Therapeutic Approaches for Older Adults With Mantl...
i3 Health
 
Tom Selleck Health: A Comprehensive Look at the Iconic Actor’s Wellness Journey
Tom Selleck Health: A Comprehensive Look at the Iconic Actor’s Wellness JourneyTom Selleck Health: A Comprehensive Look at the Iconic Actor’s Wellness Journey
Tom Selleck Health: A Comprehensive Look at the Iconic Actor’s Wellness Journey
greendigital
 
Report Back from SGO 2024: What’s the Latest in Cervical Cancer?
Report Back from SGO 2024: What’s the Latest in Cervical Cancer?Report Back from SGO 2024: What’s the Latest in Cervical Cancer?
Report Back from SGO 2024: What’s the Latest in Cervical Cancer?
bkling
 
HOT NEW PRODUCT! BIG SALES FAST SHIPPING NOW FROM CHINA!! EU KU DB BK substit...
HOT NEW PRODUCT! BIG SALES FAST SHIPPING NOW FROM CHINA!! EU KU DB BK substit...HOT NEW PRODUCT! BIG SALES FAST SHIPPING NOW FROM CHINA!! EU KU DB BK substit...
HOT NEW PRODUCT! BIG SALES FAST SHIPPING NOW FROM CHINA!! EU KU DB BK substit...
GL Anaacs
 
Antiulcer drugs Advance Pharmacology .pptx
Antiulcer drugs Advance Pharmacology .pptxAntiulcer drugs Advance Pharmacology .pptx
Antiulcer drugs Advance Pharmacology .pptx
Rohit chaurpagar
 
The Normal Electrocardiogram - Part I of II
The Normal Electrocardiogram - Part I of IIThe Normal Electrocardiogram - Part I of II
The Normal Electrocardiogram - Part I of II
MedicoseAcademics
 
Prix Galien International 2024 Forum Program
Prix Galien International 2024 Forum ProgramPrix Galien International 2024 Forum Program
Prix Galien International 2024 Forum Program
Levi Shapiro
 
micro teaching on communication m.sc nursing.pdf
micro teaching on communication m.sc nursing.pdfmicro teaching on communication m.sc nursing.pdf
micro teaching on communication m.sc nursing.pdf
Anurag Sharma
 
Charaka Samhita Sutra Sthana 9 Chapter khuddakachatuspadadhyaya
Charaka Samhita Sutra Sthana 9 Chapter khuddakachatuspadadhyayaCharaka Samhita Sutra Sthana 9 Chapter khuddakachatuspadadhyaya
Charaka Samhita Sutra Sthana 9 Chapter khuddakachatuspadadhyaya
Dr KHALID B.M
 
The POPPY STUDY (Preconception to post-partum cardiovascular function in prim...
The POPPY STUDY (Preconception to post-partum cardiovascular function in prim...The POPPY STUDY (Preconception to post-partum cardiovascular function in prim...
The POPPY STUDY (Preconception to post-partum cardiovascular function in prim...
Catherine Liao
 
heat stroke and heat exhaustion in children
heat stroke and heat exhaustion in childrenheat stroke and heat exhaustion in children
heat stroke and heat exhaustion in children
SumeraAhmad5
 

Recently uploaded (20)

Phone Us ❤85270-49040❤ #ℂall #gIRLS In Surat By Surat @ℂall @Girls Hotel With...
Phone Us ❤85270-49040❤ #ℂall #gIRLS In Surat By Surat @ℂall @Girls Hotel With...Phone Us ❤85270-49040❤ #ℂall #gIRLS In Surat By Surat @ℂall @Girls Hotel With...
Phone Us ❤85270-49040❤ #ℂall #gIRLS In Surat By Surat @ℂall @Girls Hotel With...
 
MANAGEMENT OF ATRIOVENTRICULAR CONDUCTION BLOCK.pdf
MANAGEMENT OF ATRIOVENTRICULAR CONDUCTION BLOCK.pdfMANAGEMENT OF ATRIOVENTRICULAR CONDUCTION BLOCK.pdf
MANAGEMENT OF ATRIOVENTRICULAR CONDUCTION BLOCK.pdf
 
Lung Cancer: Artificial Intelligence, Synergetics, Complex System Analysis, S...
Lung Cancer: Artificial Intelligence, Synergetics, Complex System Analysis, S...Lung Cancer: Artificial Intelligence, Synergetics, Complex System Analysis, S...
Lung Cancer: Artificial Intelligence, Synergetics, Complex System Analysis, S...
 
Hemodialysis: Chapter 3, Dialysis Water Unit - Dr.Gawad
Hemodialysis: Chapter 3, Dialysis Water Unit - Dr.GawadHemodialysis: Chapter 3, Dialysis Water Unit - Dr.Gawad
Hemodialysis: Chapter 3, Dialysis Water Unit - Dr.Gawad
 
Are There Any Natural Remedies To Treat Syphilis.pdf
Are There Any Natural Remedies To Treat Syphilis.pdfAre There Any Natural Remedies To Treat Syphilis.pdf
Are There Any Natural Remedies To Treat Syphilis.pdf
 
Charaka Samhita Sutra sthana Chapter 15 Upakalpaniyaadhyaya
Charaka Samhita Sutra sthana Chapter 15 UpakalpaniyaadhyayaCharaka Samhita Sutra sthana Chapter 15 Upakalpaniyaadhyaya
Charaka Samhita Sutra sthana Chapter 15 Upakalpaniyaadhyaya
 
The hemodynamic and autonomic determinants of elevated blood pressure in obes...
The hemodynamic and autonomic determinants of elevated blood pressure in obes...The hemodynamic and autonomic determinants of elevated blood pressure in obes...
The hemodynamic and autonomic determinants of elevated blood pressure in obes...
 
Physiology of Chemical Sensation of smell.pdf
Physiology of Chemical Sensation of smell.pdfPhysiology of Chemical Sensation of smell.pdf
Physiology of Chemical Sensation of smell.pdf
 
ARTHROLOGY PPT NCISM SYLLABUS AYURVEDA STUDENTS
ARTHROLOGY PPT NCISM SYLLABUS AYURVEDA STUDENTSARTHROLOGY PPT NCISM SYLLABUS AYURVEDA STUDENTS
ARTHROLOGY PPT NCISM SYLLABUS AYURVEDA STUDENTS
 
New Directions in Targeted Therapeutic Approaches for Older Adults With Mantl...
New Directions in Targeted Therapeutic Approaches for Older Adults With Mantl...New Directions in Targeted Therapeutic Approaches for Older Adults With Mantl...
New Directions in Targeted Therapeutic Approaches for Older Adults With Mantl...
 
Tom Selleck Health: A Comprehensive Look at the Iconic Actor’s Wellness Journey
Tom Selleck Health: A Comprehensive Look at the Iconic Actor’s Wellness JourneyTom Selleck Health: A Comprehensive Look at the Iconic Actor’s Wellness Journey
Tom Selleck Health: A Comprehensive Look at the Iconic Actor’s Wellness Journey
 
Report Back from SGO 2024: What’s the Latest in Cervical Cancer?
Report Back from SGO 2024: What’s the Latest in Cervical Cancer?Report Back from SGO 2024: What’s the Latest in Cervical Cancer?
Report Back from SGO 2024: What’s the Latest in Cervical Cancer?
 
HOT NEW PRODUCT! BIG SALES FAST SHIPPING NOW FROM CHINA!! EU KU DB BK substit...
HOT NEW PRODUCT! BIG SALES FAST SHIPPING NOW FROM CHINA!! EU KU DB BK substit...HOT NEW PRODUCT! BIG SALES FAST SHIPPING NOW FROM CHINA!! EU KU DB BK substit...
HOT NEW PRODUCT! BIG SALES FAST SHIPPING NOW FROM CHINA!! EU KU DB BK substit...
 
Antiulcer drugs Advance Pharmacology .pptx
Antiulcer drugs Advance Pharmacology .pptxAntiulcer drugs Advance Pharmacology .pptx
Antiulcer drugs Advance Pharmacology .pptx
 
The Normal Electrocardiogram - Part I of II
The Normal Electrocardiogram - Part I of IIThe Normal Electrocardiogram - Part I of II
The Normal Electrocardiogram - Part I of II
 
Prix Galien International 2024 Forum Program
Prix Galien International 2024 Forum ProgramPrix Galien International 2024 Forum Program
Prix Galien International 2024 Forum Program
 
micro teaching on communication m.sc nursing.pdf
micro teaching on communication m.sc nursing.pdfmicro teaching on communication m.sc nursing.pdf
micro teaching on communication m.sc nursing.pdf
 
Charaka Samhita Sutra Sthana 9 Chapter khuddakachatuspadadhyaya
Charaka Samhita Sutra Sthana 9 Chapter khuddakachatuspadadhyayaCharaka Samhita Sutra Sthana 9 Chapter khuddakachatuspadadhyaya
Charaka Samhita Sutra Sthana 9 Chapter khuddakachatuspadadhyaya
 
The POPPY STUDY (Preconception to post-partum cardiovascular function in prim...
The POPPY STUDY (Preconception to post-partum cardiovascular function in prim...The POPPY STUDY (Preconception to post-partum cardiovascular function in prim...
The POPPY STUDY (Preconception to post-partum cardiovascular function in prim...
 
heat stroke and heat exhaustion in children
heat stroke and heat exhaustion in childrenheat stroke and heat exhaustion in children
heat stroke and heat exhaustion in children
 

Disposal of the Dead

  • 1. DISPOSAL OF THE DEAD By Dr Olatunde Ajibola MBBS(Lagos), MSc Public Health (Bournemouth)
  • 2. DISPOSAL OF THE DEAD Implications, Methods, Diseases Associated with Treatment of the Dead
  • 3. Definitions of Death  The concepts of dying, death and being dead are inter-related, with death being an all encompassing word for the three concepts.  Death: An individual who has sustained either (1) irreversible cessation of circulatory & respiratory functions , or (2) irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain, including the brainstem, is dead.  The interval between the step 1 above and step 2, the individual is said to be dying.  Irreversible cessation of the brain function is now the gold-standard for diagnosing death.  Persistent Vegetative State(PVS): occurs when the brain is partly damaged, or irretrievably damaged, with some vital organ functions being sustained by life support equipment.
  • 4. Implications of Human Deads  Being dead is a rather philosophical speculation.  Being able to read this lecture signify an important fact: you are all alive!  A Greek philosopher Epicurus reminds us that “so long as we exist, death is not with us., when death comes, then we do not exist”.  The thought that the people we love will die, whether before us or after us, is inevitably painful.  What is more: It is hard to reconcile ourselves to the knowledge that we ourselves will finally exit this mortal coil.
  • 5. Implications cont”d  The dead state brings to an end all activities, projects, relationships and commitments that give sense & distinctiveness to one’s life.  In humorous mood, death is the deadline for all assignments, and, the end of the script with no hope of a sequel (unless you believe in the afterlife).  Treating time as an infinite commodity make some dying people see death as a frightening process; to those who spend their time wisely, ‘life is long enough’.  A life spent on frivolous pursuits, without any sense of direction, is a life lacking in authencity.
  • 6. Methods of Dead Disposal  On the whole, dead bodies pose minimal health risk unless they have died from a highly infectious disease, e.g. cholera.  The form of disposal is normally dependent on the cultural practices of the population concerned.  Christians and Muslims opt for burial  Buddhists & Hindus opt for cremation  Suspended animation  If the method of disposal chosen is burial, sufficient space would need to be provided, suitable site, soil conditions and the depth of the water must be appropriate.  If Cremation is the option sufficient fuel must be available
  • 7. Disposal of Dead Humans in Emergency Situations  In emergency situations, the collection and disposal of bodies are urgent because of the possible social and political drama, far more important than the possible health-related risks.  Therefore, emergency relief teams should focus, primarily, on the mental health of the community and its needs to carry out the cultural obligations and traditions to take care of the dead, rather than potential disease transmission.
  • 8. Disposal of Dead Humans in Emergency Situations: Disposal of Dead Humans in Emergency Situations  The widespread belief that corpses pose a risk of communicable disease is wrong, especially if death resulted from trauma.  Corpses are also unlikely to cause disease outbreaks like typhoid fever, cholera, or plague, though they may transmit gastroenteritis or food poisoning syndrome to survivors if they contaminate streams, wells or other water sources.  Except in cases of hemorrhagic fevers (such as Ebola, Marburg) and cholera, dead bodies are generally not infectious.
  • 9. Disposal of Dead Humans in Emergency Situations: Mental Health Risks  The psychological trauma of seeing death on a large scale and the loss of loved ones is the greatest cause for concern.  Collecting corpses immediately helps to mitigate the above  It must be emphasized---it is not necessary to rush burials and cremations, as this does not permit for the proper identification & record taking of the details of the dead.  Rushing burials & cremations, also, does not give the time for the bereaved to carry out the ceremonial & cultural practices, which would normally occur after a death.
  • 10. Mortuary Services  Secure morgue facilities for casualties are important following an emergency, where there is an epidemic, or if burial or cremation is to be delayed.  A temporary mortuary site should consist of a reception, a viewing room, a storage chamber not suitable for viewing and a room to store personal possessions and records.  10 bodies per 10,000 population is the recommended capacity for a field morgue  Bodies should be stored at 4 Celsius, although this is rarely possible. 
  • 11. Equipment for Mortuary Services in Major DIsasters  Stainless steel postmortem tables or heavy duty trestle tables covered with plastic sheeting.  Wheeled trolleys for transporting bodies within the mortuary.  Tarpaulin or plastic sheeting for the floor, if it is not made of concrete.  Heavy-duty black plastic sheeting for temporary screens.  Refuse bins and bags.
  • 12. Equipment for Mortuary Services in Major Disasters (cont’d)  Cleaning materials – mops, buckets, cloths, soap, towels  Disinfectant and deodorizer.  Protective clothing and heavy-duty rubber gloves.  Translucent plastic body bags 0.1 mm thick and labels (if epidemic circumstances).  Wall charts to record progress or large poster boards if there are no walls
  • 13. Identification of Bodies in Emergencies  Records of deaths & funerals need to be kept to monitor mortality rates and the incidence of disease, to be able to provide timely, understandable and accurate information to the relatives of the dead.  Therefore, one of the major challenges of effective management of dead bodies is their early identification and tagging.  Displaying bodies for identification needs space; 1000 bodies require over 2000m2.  Identification can be a lengthy process, especially where no personal documentation is carried.  When relatives and friends of the dead are involved, it must be remembered that visual identification is not scientific
  • 14. Identification of Bodies in Emergencies  In emergency, situations, this process is even more difficult as it may be necessary for relatives to view numerous bodies in the hope that they will make an identification.  The scenario above should be avoided  Where possible, it is important to differentiate viewing a body for identification from viewing a body for grieving purposes. Separate locations should be provided for both.  Once identified, a death certificate should be issued, an official record of death prepared an the body tagged.  With violent deaths, it is also important to record the cause of death for possible future investigation.
  • 15. Body Disposal in Emergency Conditions: Burial  Burials in common graves and mass cremations are rarely warranted and should be avoided.  Burial is the preferred method of body disposal in emergency situations unless there are cultural and religious observances which prohibit it.  The location of graveyards should be agreed with the community.  Attention should be given to ground conditions: proximity to groundwater drinking sources (which should be at least 50m) and to the nearest habitat (500 m).  An area of at least 1500m2 per 10 000 population is required. 
  • 16. Body Disposal in Emergency Conditions (Cont”d)  The burial site can be divided to accommodate different religious groups, if necessary.  Burial depth should be at least 1.5m above the groundwater table, with at least a 1m covering soil.  Burial in individual graves is preferred and can be dug manually.  If coffins are not available, corpses should be wrapped in plastic sheeting to keep the remains separate from the soil.  Burial procedures should be consistent with the usual practices of the community concerned
  • 17. Body Disposal in Emergency Conditions: Cremation  There are no health advantages of cremation over burial but some communities may prefer it for religious or cultural reasons.  Factors against it are the amount of fuel required by a single cremation (approx 300kg. wood) and the smoke pollution caused.  Ideally, cremation sites should be located 500m downwind of dwellings.  The resultant ashes should be disposed of according to the cultural & religious practice of the community.
  • 18. ACTIONS IN MEDICAL EPIDEMICS  Specialist medical staff should ideally be the ones handling bodies in a medical epidemic.  Rather than using lime for disinfection purposes, which has a limited effect on infectious pathogens, it is better to use chlorine or other medical disinfectants.  Any vehicles used to transport bodies to burial or cremation sites during epidemics should also be disinfected after use.  Communities should be tutored on the harmful effect of traditional washing of the dead.  Also, any large gathering, including a funeral, can be a way of spreading an epidemic, thus, burial or cremation should take place soon after death at a site near the place of death with limits placed on attendance
  • 19. ACTIONS IN MEDICAL EPIDEMICS:  CHOLERA- Contact with body leads to exposure to cholera vibrios and requires careful washing using soap and water.  EBOLA- It spreads through bodily secretions such as blood, saliva, vomit, urine and stools, but can easily be killed with soap and water.  Those dealing with the disposal of bodies require high levels of protection  TYPHUS & PLAGUE--To avoid infestation with the fleas and lice that spread these diseases, protective clothing should be worn. Body bags should be used to store the bodies prior to burial or cremation.
  • 20. SUMMARY: IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES  Give priority to the living over the dead.  Dispel myths about health risks posed by corpses.  Identify and tag corpses  Provide appropriate mortuary services.  Reject unceremonious and mass disposal of unidentified corpses.  Respond to the wishes of the family.  Respect cultural and religious observances.  Protect communities from the transmission of medical epidemics.
  • 21. Bibliography  2020. -1- Infection Prevention and Control for the safe management of a dead body in the context of COVID-19. 1st ed. [ebook] Geneva: WHO. Available at: <https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/331538/WHO-COVID-19- lPC_DBMgmt-2020.1-eng.pdf> [Accessed 19 March 2022].  Fisher, J., 2004. 1WHO/SEARO Technical Notes for Emergencies Technical Note No. 8 Disposal of dead bodies in emergency conditions. 8th ed. [ebook] New Delhi: WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia. Available at: <https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/hygiene/emergencies/deadbo dies.pdf?ua=1> [Accessed 19 March 2022].  Scarre, G., 2022. Read - Death: Geoffrey Scarre - desLibris. [online] Deslibris.ca. Available at: <https://www.deslibris.ca/ID/447867> [Accessed 19 March 2022].
  • 22. THE END Thanks for listening