260 Forensic dentistry
A response can still use conventional radiography and paper records,
but it has been found that in the aspect of convenience and efficiency, digital
materials are now much preferred. If paper records are to be used, copies
of all antemortem and postmortem documents are available in the WinID
program files. In training sessions the odontology section must study modes
and methods available to their particular settings. The medical examiner
or MFI commander also needs to approve the methods to be used. Do not
expect to be able to switch from conventional to digital systems on the fly.
The transition is time-consuming and could be prevented if all of this was
approved and covered in training sessions. In the opinion of this author, there
is a reasonable cutoff for the use of conventional methods. Once the MFI
estimated number exceeds one hundred individuals, the operation enters the
level where digital creation and storage of records is necessary.
12.10 Preparedness Training and Planning
All persons involved in an MFI response need to be trained in the job
they do as well as about the entire operation and structure.^1 Protocols for
each section need to be studied and understood before the individual is
allowed to enter the work areas. Training before the incident is best, but
on long deployments many personnel changes lead to new workers enter-
ing the process. These new workers must be trained and assessed for their
abilities before they begin to work in sections. A designated training area
is needed in this case, and a standardized training schedule needs to be
developed to make sure the proper objectives are reached by each new
worker. Training periods are also good to introduce the new workers to
the response team environment. If regular training sessions are used by
the various sections, hopefully the responders will have a fairly good level
of knowledge and be familiar with others on the team. Going into the
situations seen during an MFI is not the best time to build trust, and at
least annual training sessions will allow team members to meet and learn
about each other as well as learn how to handle new technology and tech-
niques. Federal, state, and local agencies have some funding for training,
a nd your tea m leaders ca n investigate a nd use avai lable f unds to help tea m
members get to training sessions.
12.11 Conclusions
There is a large knowledge base now available from past operations involving
MFI.^11 As leaders and workers on an identification team, we need to study
history, assemble information, and endeavor to not repeat the mistakes made