Post Disaster Victim Identification

A device the size of a writing pen that can:

• Store a  DNA sample;
• Implant microchip with passive RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology;
• A micro audio/video recorder;
• GPS receiver/locator;
• Data storage to hold a five minute Audio/Video record and GPS Coordinates; and
• Cartridge containing a small sponge soaked with alcohol and a chemical that will leave a visible flesh stain.

When first responders arrive, whether they find a dead body, or unaccompanied child, they would break off the end of the device, exposing the colored alcohol swab. With this, they clean the area into which the RFID chip is to be inserted, and a DNA sample taken. This will clean the area of any residual that might affect the DNA sample, disinfect the skin of a living child being sampled, and leave a stain to show the procedure has been performed.

Next, an insertion needle, with micro up facing barbs, and tipped with the RFID chip, will slide out of a sterile containment vessel and be inserted into the flesh. In the case of a child, it would be inserted into the buttocks. This will place the RFID chip, while at the same time taking a DNA sample. After insertion, it will slide back into the sealed container.

Using the micro recorder, the responder can make a quick recording of the location, the body or child being sampled, and state any relevant details about the location. At the time the recorder is activated, a GPS reading is taken and stored with the other data in a chip attached to the interior sample container.

These devices would go to a central processing center that runs the DNA, than stores the information, along with the data from the chip in a central data bank.

Persons trying to determine if a relative has been killed, or if there was a surviving child, need only submit information on where the person might have been found, along with a DNA sample. After confirming they are a relative, they would be informed as to the results of the tests.

In cases involving children, as they arrive at an evacuation center, they can be scanned for the chip, and their location recorded, or if none is found, has the procedure performed. In this manner, they can be quickly united with surviving relatives, once a familial relationship has been established.

In cases involving fatal casualties, mass graves can be scanned to determine the location of implanted bodies. This will allow relatives to know exactly where a family member has been interned.

Though not perfect, this system would go a long way to alleviate the stress and worry of many individuals, following a natural disaster, in wondering what became of family, and friends. For those concerned about the presence of the chip in their child, it can simply be removed. Trying to use a less invasive device, such as a necklace with a chip would not guarantee it would be be removed or lost at some point.

One final note in this regard, once a family member has been identified by central processing, any needed medical info could be entered alerting the doctors at the evacuation center that the child has additional needs, such as being diabetic. In this manner, they would not need to wait until the family members arrive the provide this information, which could take hours, and even days, depending on the limitations of transportation for the disaster area.