What are some of the benefits and limitations of using DNA to identify victims of mass causalities? Is a shift toward DNA based identifications a good idea? When answering take into account available resources, types of attacks, evidence collection and preservation, etc.
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When it comes to using DNA to identify victims of mass causalities the benefits would be that their families would get the closure they need in order to somewhat move on and start the healing process . If there was no way of identifying a victim then there would be many families wondering what happened to their loved ones . Some limitations of using DNA for identification after a mass causality would be that preforming all these DNA tests would be very costly . Another limitation would be if they do not get a personal item from the family . It is important that when the search and rescue team is recovering victims from a mass causality they do the best they can to preserve everything they find on the victim . They need to ensure they are trained properly so they do not miss any evidence or mislabel something . ” Effective handling and care involves documenting and storing the evidence to retain the integrity of the item in its original condition ” ( Maniscalco , & Christen , 2011 , pg. 199 ) . I have to say that it is a great idea to shift forward with DNA identification because this can give many families the closure they need and want so badly . If a victim is unrecognizable then DNA identification is a must . This was the case after September 11 th . There were ” 850 people were identified , through the DNA identification , out of 2,749 reported missing people ( Spencer , 2005 , para. 11 ) .