08-09-2023 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ramsey County │ Annex F: Fatality Management 9 3.4 Available Resources and Identified Resource Gaps 3.4.1 SUPPLIES The RCME’s Office keeps existing inventories of body bags and gloves, purchased in bulk, that can accommodate many fatalities. If these existing inventories need to be supplemented, the RCME’s Office will coordinate with the RCEMHS for emergency funds to acquire additional supplies and equipment. Other supplies that may be necessary during a mass fatality include: •Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including protective clothing, disaster-strength gloves, and respirators. •Communications equipment, including radios and cell phones. •Digital camera and Global Positioning System (GPS) device for recording locations of remains. •Office equipment, including laptops and clipboards with recovery forms. •Scene equipment, including stakes, waterproof markers, weather-proof identification tags, and portable stretchers. 3.4.2 EQUIPMENT 3.4.2.1 Disaster Portable Morgue Unit The MN DPMU is a cache of specialized equipment to assist in the process of identifying victims of a mass fatality incident. The DPMU does not include physical space or staffing, nor does it provide storage for remains. This modular, scalable setup has the capability of processing up to 100 decedents, with radiology and photography as well as specialized forensic tools. An MOU that outlines the support provided to assist in a mass fatality incident in Ramsey County is currently in place between the RCME’s Office, the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), and the RCSO. requests are coordinated through the MN State Duty Officer upon request by the RCME. 3.4.2.2 Special Incident Response Mass Fatality Management Trailer In 2017, in coordination with Washington County Emergency Management (WCEM), the RCME purchased a refrigerated trailer . RCEMHS and WCEM have agreed to coordinate delivery of the trailer. Additional drivers and vehicles can be coordinated through RCEMHS’ existing contracts. The Special Incident Response Mass Fatality is equipped with trays and racking for body storage and transportation. 3.4.3 STAFFING RCME staff will be the first line of response for a mass fatality incident in Ramsey County. The RCME’s Office operates under the authority of Minnesota State Statutes, Chapter 390, and is staffed by 10 full- time investigators as well as a chief investigator. In addition to Ramsey County, the RCME’s Office also serves as the Medical Examiner for 17 additional counties. In the case of a mass fatality, the basic Medical Examiner team, augmented with local law enforcement for evidence collection as necessary, will consist of an Assistant Medical Examiner, a Medical Examiner