08-09-2023 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ramsey County │ Annex F: Fatality Management 14 3.5.6 PUBLIC INFORMATION Public information is a critical component of any mass fatality incident. Public interest will be high, attracting national and sometimes international media. A strong public information presence and timely and accurate information will be critical to inform the public, mitigate rumors, and manage the influx of mass media. Public information should be focused on providing safety and security information as needed, calming fears and rumors, and providing the appropriate amount of information and updates to meet the needs of the public and media outlets. Release of information to the media and the public will be coordinated through the RCEMHS, with direct input from the Chief Medical Examiner and the Chief Investigator. Prior to the activation of a JIC, RCEMHS and the Ramsey County PIO will facilitate the communication process between the RCME’s Office and the Ramsey County Communication Office. The RCME’s Office is the only agency authorized to release the names of the decedents as well as number of fatalities. Notification of families/loved ones will be the priority before any names are released to the public. 3.5.7 FAMILY ASSISTANCE Ramsey County Social Services is the primary agency for the coordination of FAS in an incident under the direction of the County’s Mass Care Primary Agency: SPRCPH. When there is a mass casualty/fatality incident that requires FAS, the Ramsey County FAS Plan will be activated. The FAS Plan provides guidance for initial services to survivors and longer-term services for both survivors and family/friends. The FAS also establishes the processes for mass fatality services, including antemortem identification, death notification, return of personal effects, and disposition of remains. RCME staff is responsible for the mass fatality services at the FAC if one is established. These services will be culturally informed to equitably provide responses and protocols that are inclusive and effective. It is critical to provide these assistance services that address the needs and preferences of all members of the impacted population—the “whole community.” This can be achieved by the following actions: •Reflecting the demographics of the impacted populations in the service workers. •Providing training of the workers to both understand and have the capabilities to operationally respond, competently and inclusively, to the cultural, spiritual and lifestyle choices of the diverse populations impacted. •Establishing internal feedback loops is critical to monitor and assess the changing needs of the populations, and the workers. •Engaging key stakeholders of impacted populations to support the assistance in accurately understanding rituals and concerns. Stakeholders may include community and faith-based organizations representing cultural populations, homeless outreach organizations, LGBTQI support services, organizations that serve immigrant populations. If a FAC is not established, the Chief Investigator will oversee the RCME’s contact with the victim’s next- of-kin for issues of identification and notification to family members of deceased persons. The RCME’s Office will establish contact with representatives of the American Red Cross, who will organize staff, including counselors, to assist family members with all issues related to the disaster and the Medical