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Protocols For Evidentiary Recovery By Health Professionals

Introduction

In a terrorism-related Mass Casualty Incident (MCI), health care professionals may be the first public officers to have contact with injured casualties. 

While the health on an injured casualty always takes priority, recognised practices and protocols will increase the likelihood of recovering physical evidence that otherwise may well have been lost.

The protocols for evidentiary recovery by health care professionals have been developed through consultation with relevant health experts and are fully supported by the National Counter-Terrorism Committee (NCTC). The protocols for evidentiary recovery by health professionals are attached to this document.

Aim

To  inform health care professionals of protocols to follow in order to preserve and recover evidence in terrorism-related MCIs.

Scope

In a terrorism-related MCI, it is unlikely that a Police or Forensic Officer will be available to conduct evidence recovery at triage areas or hospitals. Identifying and training appropriate hospital staff to provide an on-site evidence coordination role assists evidentiary recovery by correctly and appropriately collecting, bagging and tagging evidence.  The attached NCTC protocols should be used by health care professionals when performed evidentiary recovery in a terrorism-related MCI.

Monitoring and review

The Senior Policy Officer, Disaster Preparedness and Management Unit is responsible for reviewing this IC on an annual basis.

Dr Tarun Weeramanthri
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PUBLIC HEALTH AND CLINICAL SERVICES DIVISION