In a world where terrorism knows no boundaries, Dr. Ricardo Nachman, assistant director of the Israeli National Forensic Institute, and one of the leading authorities in this field, recommends creating a DNA kit, or “Life-Kit”, to facilitate the process of body identification when necessary.  In his opinion, if the government does not initiate the process, citizens must take the initiative.

Within the medical profession, forensic or legal medicine is considered an exception to the rule.  In general, those who choose medicine as their profession strive to save lives, to prevent death.  Forensic medicine, conversely, actually begins post-mortem, after a person’s death.   Forensic medicine becomes especially relevant after natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or other significant incidents.

Dr. Nachman, assistant director of the Israeli National Forensic Institute, and director of the Israeli Clinical Forensic Exams states that “the need to quickly and efficiently identify a corpse after an accident or a terrorist attack is, before all else, a moral issue.  The positive identification of the individual puts an end to the family’s uncertainty, and allows for a quick burial”.  As such, Dr. Nachman believes that best practice, initiated if not by our government then by its citizens, is the preparation of a “Life-Kit” consisting of an individual’s DNA and other identifying specimens, thus allowing for the quick identification of a body in the worst-case scenario.

Nachman admits that legal medicine has always attracted him. “In a certain way, it’s like medicine in reverse.  While most doctors try to predict and prevent diseases from developing, the forensic doctor backtracks from the end back through previous phases, in an attempt to uncover the details that lead up to the death.  One of the things that facilitates this job is the “antemorte”, or pre-death, details.

So what you’re proposing is preparing a DNA specimen kit?

Of a certain kind, yes.  The idea is to save, in an organized fashion, various pieces of evidence that contain the information needed to identify a body with absolute certainty.  These specimens include x-rays (bodily and maxillofacial), blood-samples, fingerprints, and even some record of distinctive marks such as moles, scars or tattoos.   The blood samples are stored in a special paper called FTA, which prevents fungus and bacteria from developing, and traps the DNA.  There’s no doubt that DNA is an excellent means to identification, but it is also a relatively prolonged, elaborate process.  The aforementioned pieces of evidence, in contrast, allow for a positive and timely identification in the majority of cases, even without a DNA sample.

Why isn’t this initiative adopted on a government level, especially in those countries that encounter high rates of terrorism or natural disasters?

There are countries that have at least partially adopted this practice.  In Israel, for example, DNA samples and fingerprints of every soldier who enlists in the IDF (Israeli Defense Force) are collected.  In Argentina, every citizen’s fingerprints are recorded and stored.  After the M-11 terrorist attack in Madrid, the deadliest in Spain’s history, authorities were able to identify almost 90% of the 191 victims in a short amount of time, due to the police’s fingerprint archives.   The identification of tourists or immigrants whose information wasn’t stored in the archives took longer.

You’re proposing that every person prepare his or her own identification kit, but how does one go about it?

First of all, the notion of a kit is a metaphor.  The specimens could be kept in a box, an envelope, or any other means of conservation.  Extracting several drops of blood isn’t difficult.  The main problem is that the FTA paper is relatively expensive, so the best option is to purchase a considerable amount for a large group of people.  One of the advantages to this specialty paper is that it doesn’t require refrigeration, and the sample can be stored with the other specimens at room-temperature.  The x-rays can be obtained through the family doctor and dentist, and fingerprints can be taken at home using an ink-pad and blank white paper.  In regards to the distinguishing characteristics, making a list will suffice.

How are you trying to promote and educate people regarding the importance of this issue?

I intend to do whatever is within my means.  Within the scope of my work I try to expose and spread awareness of the issue whenever the situation is appropriate.  In my opinion, and this is one of my arguments, the quick and efficient identification of a body is a moral duty to us all; doctors, official organizations, family members, and even the victim himself or herself.  The possibility of an uncertain identification or non-identification could be a family and friends’ worst nightmare.  Positive body identification allows for them to acknowledge and confront the loss, to bury their loved one, which provides some sort of relief and for the grieving process to begin.

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