Regional Mass Fatality Management in Pandemic Surge

This thesis explores pathways to reach operational regional mass fatality management capability in Ohio, but also has implications for planning across the nation. Research was conducted with three key stakeholder groups: county coroners, emergency management directors, and health commissioners. The survey addressed realistic and actionable mass fatality management planning by: 1) identifying state guidance gaps; 2) identifying local/regional operational gaps; 3) assessing regional resource capabilities; 4) categorizing proposed solutions to address identified gaps; and 5) listing legal, financial, and organizational barriers to the solutions.