MAY-JUNE Newsletter

DMORT National Commander's Column
By Thomas J. Shepardson

Welcome to the beautiful summer months of the year 2001. To some, that may have no meaning, but to us in the northeast it is a great feeling not to have the snow and cold in the proportions that we experienced this winter. With the sun shining and everyone in a most happy spirit, we have completed one of the best NDMS conferences in our history. It was one of the best attended, nearly 2000, and one of the most interesting in content. We even had roving reporters for the DMORT News at the conference, not only interviewing the presenters, but those in attendance, for their comments. One of the highlights was a personal talk between the members of DMORT and Captain Al Haynes. What a great person he is, and a motivator for teamwork. We can all learn from him and his crew who landed the United Flight 232 in Sioux City, Iowa.

The conference was also the kickoff for many of our core groups. The Family Assistance Center group has training scheduled with the National Transportation Safety Board on June 28 and 29, 2001. The DNA core group is scheduled to train on June 9 and 10 with the Armed forces Institute of Pathology, and the Forensic Oversight group is familiarizing themselves with all of our policies and operational plans. The new portable morgue unit for the west coast has been ordered and parts of it are arriving daily. When all of the components are in place, the DPMU Team will be activated to assemble the second unit in a similar configuration to our present one.

We all look forward to a safe and happy summer. We pray that there is not a need for us to be activated, but if there is we will serve America with dignity and pride. We can only do that with the commitment that each and every one of you has made to DMORT.

PLANNING, TRAINING and TEAMWORK
The formula for success during crisis

The highlight of this years NDMS conference was the presentation by Captain Al Haynes and our subsequent interview with him. Captain Haynes was the pilot of United Airlines Flight 232 which crashed on landing at Sioux City, Iowa on July 19th, 1989.

He has 40 years of flight experience, 35 of them with United Airlines from which he retired in 1991. Since his retirement he has been a keynote speaker at many conferences like the NDMS meeting, always stressing the importance of planning, training and teamwork.

At 2:09 PM on July 19th, 1989, United Fight 232 left Denver in route to Chicago. At 3:16 the flight notified Minneapolis control that the number 2 engine had failed and that the aircraft was marginally controllable. In fact, the number 2 engine had virtually exploded, disintegrating the tail of the plane, taking out the hydraulic systems and the control surfaces. For the next 45 minutes Captain Haynes and the other two crew members in the cockpit, along with a United flight trainer who happened to be aboard as a passenger, fought to keep the aircraft flying. Without hydraulic pressure they had no way to steer the plane, and relied on the use of throttles alone to maneuver. Upon touchdown in Sioux City, the aircraft left the runway and flipped over, breaking into three major sections. The crash and ensuing fire claimed 112 lives, but there were 184 survivors from an event that no one should have been able to live through.

When the failure of the engine and hydraulic systems first occurred, Captain Haynes and the crew set about a disciplined, methodical review of the established procedures for response to such a failure. Each aircraft has a detailed set of procedures for virtually any crisis that can be anticipated, and the crews are trained to run down a checklist of solutions until the problem is remedied. In the case of United 232, the checklists had no provision for a craft without any hydraulic control at all. The three layers of hydraulic controls, a primary and two backups, were felt to be adequate to survive any in-flight emergency. Boeing, the manufacturer of the plane, was consulted by radio during the 45 minutes that the flight was without controls. The conclusion of their technical experts was that it was literally impossible for the plane to still be flying.

Captain Haynes and the other three crew members defied the experts and maneuvered the plane to Sioux City airport's runway. Response crews from the airport and over 40 communities executed a rapid, well organized effort at fire suppression, extrication, rescue, life support and trauma treatment.

The key points that Captain Haynes cites for the success of the crew's in-flight efforts, and the high survival rate of the passengers are planning for emergencies, training to the specifications of the plan, and above all, teamwork.

He is quick to call attention to the fact that the Sioux City emergency personnel knew how to respond because they had carried out a "worst case" exercise previously and recognized and remedied the weak points in their plans. They also had worked together as a team, both in developing their plans and subsequently exercising them. All three critical elements for success were in place the day Flight 232 arrived.

Captain Haynes explained in the interview that United Airlines, like many others, had gotten away from the rigid command structure in the cockpit, where the captain was the sole source of knowledge and authority. As a result, the flight crew knew that their ideas and suggestions would be taken into consideration by the captain. Formal pilot training incorporated this concept and made it easier for the crew to function as a cohesive team.

The procedures that were in place were followed to the letter. By "following the book" they were able to work through all of the possible solutions to their problem, and arrive at the conclusion that they needed to improvise intelligently when their written procedures were exhausted.

Two critical suggestions were offered by the Captain, and they apply to teams of any size and mission. First, rely on the people in your field who make things work, in the every day world. Learn from them and incorporate their knowledge into your plans. Second, if any of the three elements for success are missing, convince management that they are needed if there is to be any chance of success in an emergency.

Captain Haynes emphasis on planning, training and teamwork is supported by his survival in a tragedy that, by any definition, could have been a lot worse. His message is particularly appropriate to the members of the many teams who attended the NDMS conference. Our thanks to Captain Haynes both for his presentations and for taking the time to allow an interview with our staff.

CORE GROUPS NAMED

National DMORT Commander, Tom Shepardson, named seven core groups and their group leaders at the NDMS conference. Each group is a specialized unit whose mission is to focus on a unique discipline within DMORT's list of operational needs, and provide trained personnel, either to assist regional teams on deployment, or to provide expertise to DMORT on an ongoing basis.

The Forensic Oversight Group
By Jack Kenney
The Forensic Oversight Group is an evolving concept whose members include: Fred Jordan, MD, Chair/Pathology; Jack Kenney, DDS, MS, Odontology; Harrell Gil-King, PhD Anthropology; and Lewis Porter, PhD DNA/Laboratory.

The ultimate consumer of DMORT's services in many situations will be the NTSB. In the future other governmental agencies may have occasion to request the services of DMORT. As a result, it was deemed advisable by DMORT leadership to assemble a group of experienced and respected forensic scientists in their individual fields, who also possess significant mass fatality incident experience. The purpose of the group is to review procedures with regard to a given mass fatality incident, to review standard published protocols including confidentiality of all forms and records, and to evaluate educational and experiential standards of DMORT members to qualify for deployment. Criticism from within the DMORT ranks or from other involved agencies or individuals will be addressed by this Oversight Group. They shall make their recommendations to OEP/NDMS/DMORT management with regard to their findings.

As the group has not yet met officially there has been no discussion about the exact scope of duties and activity. As these meetings occur and the scope and nature of the duties is defined by this committee, DMORT leadership will be consulted and advised. Details of interest to the team members will be published in the DMORT National News. Biographical information about the team members will be published in an upcoming edition of the newsletter.

The Family Assistance Group
This group is lead by Christie Whitaker and has on it's member list Cindy Arnold, Robyne Bohn Borik, Gary Daugherty, Jennie Thommen Grady Bray and Ray Blakeney. The purpose of the group is to provide a core of trained DMORT members to respond as needed to any region to ensure continuity of procedures in a family assistance center.

DNA Group
The team leader is Dr. Joyce deJong. She is joined by Paul Sledzick, Paul Morrow, and other members of the team who are in the process of being named. The appointment of this team is accompanied by the acquisition of new equipment which will be deployed as part of the DPMU.

The Educational Group
This group is lead by Bob Shank, Jr. and is developing a suite of online training programs for DMORT and other groups under NDMS.

The Newsletter Group
This team has been working as a group since the December newsletter last year. Dennis McGowan is the editor, and the other team members are Kevin Costigan, Terry Swanson and Sheila Hall.

The DPMU Group
This group's leader is Bill Ambler and he is accompanied by the team that we know as the Red Shirts. The number of members in this group will expand as the new portable morgue is assembled and made ready for deployment on the west coast.

The WMD Team
This team specializes in the decontamination of remains that result from an incident involving weapons of mass destruction. Known previously as the NBC team, they respond to handle nuclear, biological and chemical incidents that involve deaths. The team leader is Dale Downey.

NDMS PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

This year's program was marked by a variety of presentations that covered a wide array of topics of direct concern to DMORT team members.

A two day Mass Fatality-Train the Trainer course, led by Tom Shepardson, Grady Bray, Ray Blakeney and John Gibb was filled to capacity. In separate presentations, Grady Bray covered ethical and professional behavior, as well as intangible leadership qualities. Frank Ciaccio of the NTSB defined the history and ongoing relationship between his agency and DMORT. WIN-VIP training was offered by Don Bloom and Jim McGivney. The relationship between DMORT and the Mission Support Team was detailed by Jack Beall and Tom Shepardson. Cotton Howell and Bill Ambler explained the operation of the DPMU, while Chuck Smith detailed the technical issues related to victim recovery. Grady Bray and Christie Whitaker presented the family support process and introduced the new Family Support Core Group concept.

On Sunday evening the NDMS awards ceremony saw members of every DMORT region taking home honors for their participation in events in the past year.

The 2002 conference will be held in Atlanta, GA.
Region 4 JUKEBOX RAFFLE
By Gary A. Daugherty

Thanks to the efforts of several Region 4 members and friends our first annual raffle was a great success. NDMS conference group was nice enough to let us have table space in the back of the main exhibit hall. From this area we were able to sell our $5.00 tickets on the miniature Wurlitzer Jukebox. The net proceeds for our region came to $643.00. The winning ticket was drawn Tuesday noon before any of the attendees left for home. The lucky winner was Mr. John Gibb, N.Y. State Emergency Mgt. Office, Albany, NY. Our hope is to be able to do this again next year in Atlanta. If you have any ideas or donations for this raffle please let us know. Thanks again for all the help and to those who supported our efforts by buying tickets.

REGIONAL EVENTS

Regions
4 and 6
Combine
Training

Regions 4 and 6 will again conduct a combined annual training, hosted by Region 6 in New Orleans, August 3rd through 5th.

Training will include family assistance, search and recovery, forensic specialty panel discussion, family support, computer lab and more.

It will be held at the New Orleans Sheraton at 500 Canal Street downtown. Room rates are $89 a night single and $109 double. Call 1-800-253-6156 for reservations. Be sure to mention the DMORT training.

Registration, Friday August 3rd from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Icebreaker reception in the hotel with hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Saturday August 4th- Training 8-5 (late registrants 7-8 a.m.)
Sunday August 5th- training 8-Noon.

For those who care to come in early or stay late the room rate is guaranteed. The Sheraton is approximately 15 miles from New Orleans International Airport (MSY) and can be easily reached by shuttle. The hotel is located within walking distance to the French Quarter, the Riverwalk shopping area, St. Charles Trolley line, or HARRAH'S CASINO. A rental car is not only unnecessary, but not recommended.

Out of region participation is welcome and requires a fee of $50.00. Registration Deadline June 15th, but earlier would be appreciated

Registration information is available from Cindy Arnold, Admin Officer, DMORT Region 6 at cindya@wtaccess.com

Cindy Arnold
DMORT - Region 6
PO Box 715
Andrews, Texas 79714

Region 5 Training

The Region V DMORT Team is scheduled to hold its training session in Detroit from June 7th to 10th. All non-Region 5 members wishing to attend should contact Frank Saul, Region 5 Team Leader as soon as possible at saul@dmort.org

Region 8
June 22 and 23 are slated as dates for Region 8 DMORT Team training. This training will focus on Olympic preparations and orient all of Region VIII DMORT to the area if a need arises during the Olympics. The training will take place in Park City Utah, at the LandMark Inn. The LandMark Inn is located at Kimball Junction (Right on I-80 at the Park City Exit.) Kimball Junction is some 20 miles east of Salt Lake City and is the site of the Utah Winter Sports Park.

Highlights of the agenda will be a presentation from the Utah Olympic Public Safety Command, a presentation from the Winter Sports Park Venue Commander, and a tour of the Winter Sports Park. (The Park will host ski jumping, luge, and bobsled type events.) It will be a fantastic tour. More highlights include presentations from the State Medical Examiner, State Emergency Management, FEMA Olympic Planner and State CISM Team (who is also a member of DMORT). Training will end with an evening dinner on top of one of Park City's resorts. This is a great opportunity to receive an orientation to the Olympic theatre.

Because of the nature of this training, Regional Commanders/Deputies/AO or selected others, are invited to attend. First preference will be given to Region VIII DMORT members due to limited conference space. (We wish we could invite everyone in DMORT.) Call Lance Peterson if you are interested 801-778-6682 or email at lpeterso@co.weber.us.us (Make sure you don't type in his full last name.)
Travel in to Salt Lake / Park City will be on the 21st of June. We have vans and shuttles to get you to and from the airport. Rooms at the LandMark Inn are blocked out at $55.00 a night. Travel out will be late Saturday or on Sunday the 24th.

With the Olympics coming to Region VIII, we thought this would be a very appropriate training activity. Next year we definitely plan to move the training elsewhere in the region. How about Spearfish?

Region 9 Training
Region 9 will be conducting Regional training August 2-4th, in Laughlin, Nevada. Training will include a DMORT update, activation review, blood borne pathogens
exposure course (which gives you a certificate of certification per OSHA 29CFR 1910.10310), a VIP update, family assistance center, debriefing issues after mass fatality incidents, anthropology case studies, Alaska Air Flight 261, air disasters in Hawaii, trauma and wound identification and a DMORT video presentation.

Training will be held at the River Palms Resort and Casino in Laughlin, Nevada. Cost will be $175.00, which includes registration, Thurs., Fri., & Sat. night hotel accommodations, and lunch for two each day.

Registration information is available from Fred Corral, Commander, DMORT Region 9 at 323-343-0714.
All Regions are welcome to participate. We look forward to a very informative training program, and we are looking forward to seeing you all there.

Region 10

The annual training seminar for Region #10 is scheduled for September 14 & 15 in Clackamas, Oregon. The training will include a section on the Family Assistance Center, the NTSB roll and an overview on the Management Support Unit and how the total chaos of a disaster becomes a more manageable task.
DMORT members from all the other regions are invited to join us in this
training. Duane Bigoni

WMD Team
By Dale Downey

This is the first in a series of articles about issues related to Weapons of Mass Destruction and the role that DMORT would be expected to play in the event of a WMD incident. The threat of a chemical, biological or radiological terrorist incident is of prime concern to the intelligence community, the military, the public health community and the organizations, like DMORT, that are part of the national response network.

The DMORT WMD team is in the process of training and becoming fully equipped to decontaminate remains that result mainly from the use of a chemical weapon. Contaminants from biological weapons are typically absent from clothing by the time a victim becomes seriously ill and dies, but the remains themselves are potentially infectious and pose a different problem to autopsy and embalming personnel. Radiological contaminants are rare, even in terrorist events, but they also require special handling and special training for personnel who will come in contact with contaminated remains.

The focus on training first for chemical events is consistent with the mission of DMORT, to assist local authorities with the processing and identification of victims of mass fatality incidents. Studies are underway that will guide DMORT in the safe, effective management of biological incident fatalities, and eventually for radiological fatalities.
Future columns will focus on these topics and the relationship of the WMD team to DMORT regional teams and other agencies.

TRAINING AND CONFERENCES

ADA Conference
Chicago July 19-21

The American Dental Association is sponsoring a "Forensic Dentistry" conference July 19-21, 2001 in Chicago. This three day program will feature lectures and workshops, presented by some of our DMORT members, such as Gary Bell DDS, John Kenney DDS, James McGivney DDS, and Bryan Chrz DDS. They will help participants become familiar with the dentist's contribution to the forensic team.

The first day of the conference will feature an introduction and lectures, which will orient participants to the various topics and methods that will be used during the hands-on Mock
Aircraft mishap, taking place the following two days. The program will also include topics, relating to Bite Marks and Patterned Injuries, Digital Imaging and Transmission, and Expert Testimony.

Those interested in forensic dentistry are invited to attend. All course hand-outs, if any, will be provided.

Early registration is encouraged.
For information regarding the conference (course registration, fees, hotel, transportation, etc.), call the ADA Council on Dental Practice at (312) 440-2895 or email collinsd@ada.org.