Advisory for Health of Rescue Personnel
What risks do human body parts found inside of exploded and collapsed buildings pose to rescue workers?
There is no threat of a general outbreak of infectious disease among workers at the site. You may be at risk for infection if you cut yourself with an object contaminated with blood, body fluids or tissue, or if these materials touch your eyes, nose or mouth or areas of broken skin. Bad odors that come from decomposing bodies, although unpleasant, are not harmful.
What should I do if I'm injured or splashed?
Immediately report to your supervisor any injuries or splashes to eyes, nose, mouth or broken skin by blood or body fluids so that appropriate medical evaluation and care can be
provided. Infections can be prevented if you follow appropriate precautions.
What precautions should rescue workers take?
Do not touch bodies or body parts directly. Rescue workers who expect they might have direct contact with human remains should do the following:
- Wear heavy-duty waterproof gloves to protect against injury from sharp objects.
- Use eye protection and respirators equipped with OVAG cartridges to protect eyes, nose, and mouth from splash exposures and noxious odors.
- Wear protective garments to protect skin and clothes.
- Immediately wash hands with soap and water after removing gloves.
- Alcohol-based hygiene products are a useful substitute only when hands are not visibly soiled.
How can my overall health be affected from exposure to decomposing remains?
Seeing decomposing remains can cause emotional trauma, grief, anger and sadness. Immediately after the disaster, it will be normal for you to feel:
- Numbness
- Flashbacks and nightmares
- Anger
- Sadness
Denial or shock
- Grief reactions to loss
- Despair
- Hopelessness
What should a rescue worker do if he or she experiences emotional distress?
Several studies following the Oklahoma City Bombing found that many rescue and relief workers experienced emotional distress. However, many did not believe they needed help and would not seek services despite feeling emotional distress. It is important to get help by talking with family, friends, religious leaders or neighbors if you are feeling:
- Normal emotional responses such as grief, anger, guilt, shame, helplessness, hopelessness, and emotional numbness.
- Confusion, disorientation, indecisiveness, worry, shortened attention span, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating.
- Physical reactions such as tension, fatigue, edginess, difficulty sleeping, body aches or pain, nausea, change in appetite, being startled easily, change in sex drive and racing heartbeat.
- Interpersonal problems such as distrust, irritability, conflict, withdrawal, isolation, and feeling rejected or abandoned, being distant, judgmental, or over-controlling.
OR
If you experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which is less common and could include:
- Feeling as if you or the world is unreal.
- Re-experiencing the event during the day or as nightmares.
- Being frightened of leaving home or losing interest in normal activities.
- Feeling prolonged and increased anxiety, nervousness, or fear of losing control.
- Abusing drugs or alcohol.
If these feelings remain longer than a month, we urge you to seek help from medical or mental health professionals, or disaster service organizations like the American Red Cross.
The following Department of Mental Health Hotlines can provide direct access to services.
English Life NET (800) 543-3638
Spanish Life NET (877) 298-3373
Chinese Life NET (877) 990-8585
Do I need to contact law enforcement about any remains found?
Yes, in the setting of a disaster, remains should be brought to the attention of appropriate law enforcement and forensic representatives for identification.
For additional information regarding occupational health issues, please refer to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, World Trade Center Information.
