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  • Title: The role of the medical examiner in mass casualty situations with special reference to the Alfred P. Murrah Building bombing.
    Author: Jordan FB.
    Journal: J Okla State Med Assoc; 1999 Apr; 92(4):159-63. PubMed ID: 10213966.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: To describe the events that shaped the investigation by the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner with regard to the terrorist bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City in 1995 and to provide lessons learned for reinforcement and future planning. STUDY POPULATION: All persons known to have been killed by the blast. METHODS: Standard forensic techniques with regard to crime scene investigation, documentation, body identification and cause of death determinations were followed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Fatality injury and related evidence documentation. RESULTS: A total of 168 people died principally from secondary and tertiary injuries caused by projectiles, victim displacement, and crushing. Emphasis is placed on the methods of operation required to find, remove, identify, and determine cause of death in these individuals. Simultaneously, evidence must be identified and preserved in a homicide investigation of this type. Close cooperation must exist among multiple varied agencies and disciplines to accomplish the task and to prepare for subsequent analysis and courtroom testimony required by the criminal justice system. CONCLUSIONS: Terrorism, both foreign and domestic, is a current fact and will be a problem in many forms in the 21st century. No one is immune. The key to success is to plan ahead and be aware of available resources. Preplanning for short comings and difficult issues, and most importantly, relying on team work will allow future participants to successfully meet and complete the challenge. The investigation developed detailed injury data and mechanisms that were available for subsequent judicial proceedings and for in-depth epidemiological studies spearheaded by the Injury Prevention Service of the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
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