ID
12-509-1279
Name
Fatality Management Human Remains Storage and Release Specialist
Status
Published
Version
1.6
Updated
2/15/2020 9:08:10 PM
Original Release
11/07/2017
Last Major Release
02/15/2020
NQS Position
Resource Category
Medical and Public Health
Primary Core Capability
Fatality Management Services
Secondary Core Capability
 
Resource Kind
Personnel
Overall Function
The Fatality Management (FM) Human Remains Storage and Release Specialist is responsible for storing, protecting, and preserving the human remains for subsequent examination, identification, and release of the deceased to the family
Single resource
In conjunction with a NIMS typed team
NIMS Typed Team
 
In conjunction with a NIMS typed unit
NIMS Typed Unit
Fatality Management Morgue Processing Unit
Description Notes
Not Specified
Supporting Core Capabilities
None
Types
Type Description
Type 1Same as Type 2, PLUS: Performs duties with decedents or within areas exposed to hazardous materials
Type 2The FM Human Remains Storage and Release Specialist: 1. Receives and logs human remains transported from the disaster site 2. Stores human remains in refrigerated units until release for processing through the morgue 3. Serves as Lead overseeing the receipt and storage of human remains received from the disaster site and upon completion of temporary morgue processing 4. Coordinates with the FM Morgue Processing Unit Leader, Medical Examiner, or Coroner to determine human remains storage requirements and the appropriate methods for documentation and storage of human remains 5. Ensures maintenance of all logs and forms for received and released human remains 6. Maintains security and control over human remains from time of receipt until release to designated funeral service provider or other designee 7. Ensures a sufficient supply of refrigerated units through coordination with FM Disaster Portable Morgue Unit (DPMU) Leader 8. Ensures systematic release of human remains, with proper records in accordance with the Medical Examiner’s or Coroner’s designated procedures 9. Reports directly to the FM Morgue Processing Unit Leader
Components
Component Notes  
EducationNot Specified
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Completion of course work related to mortuary science or forensic field of study
TrainingNot Specified
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Same as Type 2, PLUS: Training in accordance with OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910.120: Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response
Type 2Completion of the following: 1. IS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS-100 2. IS-200:Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response, ICS-200 3. IS-700: National Incident Management System, An Introduction 4. IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction 5. Training in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1910.120: Hazardous Materials Awareness 6. Training in accordance with OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910.134: Respiratory Protection 7. Training in accordance with OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910.1030: Bloodborne Pathogens
ExperienceNot Specified
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of next of kin (NOK) laws, body storage, and deceased body release laws Experience: Two years of experience in investigative or body handling experience within a medical examiner office or coroner system, or three years of experience in the funeral services industry
Physical/Medical FitnessThe NIMS Guideline for the National Qualification System (NQS) defines Physical/Medical Fitness levels for NIMS positions.
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 21. Arduous 2. Performs duties with exposure to whole and fragmented human remains in various stages of decomposition 3. Performs duties with sights and smells associated with death, including seeing children as victims, grieving survivors, and family members of missing victims 4. Maintains immunizations in accordance with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control Prevention’s recommended immunization schedule
CurrencyNot Specified
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Functions in this position during an operational incident, planned event, exercise, drill, or simulation at least once every two years
Professional and Technical Licenses and CertificationsNot Specified
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2With only funeral service experience, licensed as a Funeral Director or Cemetery Operator
Composition and Ordering Specifications
Specification
Discuss logistics for deploying this position, such as working conditions, length of deployment, security, lodging, transportation, and meals, prior to deployment
1340
Notes
References
Reference
FEMA, NIMS 508: Fatality Management Morgue Processing Unit
FEMA, NIMS 509: Fatality Management Morgue Processing Unit Leader
FEMA, National Incident Management System (NIMS), October 2017
FEMA, NIMS Guideline for the National Qualification System, November 2017
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Immunization Recommendations for Disaster Responders
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1910.120: Hazardous Materials Awareness, latest edition adopted
OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910.120: Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response, latest edition adopted
OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910.134: Respiratory Protections, latest edition adopted
OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910.1030: Bloodborne Pathogens, latest edition adopted
Published Versions
Version Publish Date Document Type
1.6 2/15/2020 9:08:10 PM PDF
1.5 2/15/2020 8:56:29 PM PDF
1.4 1/8/2019 11:44:18 AM PDF
1.3 1/8/2019 11:44:16 AM PDF
1.2 1/3/2019 4:48:59 PM PDF
1.1 9/28/2018 5:16:00 PM PDF
1.0 11/7/2017 5:28:30 PM PDF