Disaster Victim Identification: A Manager’s Guide to Policy and Procedures by Jay H. Levinson and Abraham J. Domb is an essential resource for professionals involved in disaster planning and response. This comprehensive guide explores the importance of integrating disaster victim identification (DVI) into general disaster operations and highlights best practices for effective coordination and communication among response agencies.

The book emphasizes the need for proactive planning and assessment of risks and vulnerabilities before a disaster occurs. By integrating DVI into the overall disaster planning process, response agencies can establish pre-event coordination and develop effective strategies to support both victims and the community. Levinson and Domb stress the significance of interagency memoranda of understanding (MOU) and exercising to ensure seamless integration of outside assistance into the response efforts.

Disaster Victim Identification provides a detailed overview of the DVI process, including various methodologies and its role in overall disaster response. The authors draw on their extensive firsthand experience in the field, having worked at, and supervised the coordination of, DVI response to numerous disaster scenes. Their expertise lends credibility to the book and offers valuable insights into what works, what doesn’t, and how to maintain best practices.

One of the key strengths of this book is its emphasis on a multi-disciplinary approach to DVI. The authors highlight the importance of incorporating various disciplines and professionals into the planning and response teams. This facilitates a coordinated and comprehensive response, ensuring that victim identification efforts are undertaken quickly and seamlessly.

The authors delve into the practical actions and measures required for effective DVI, which are often impromptu and dependent on the nature and scale of the disaster. They outline strategies for integrating outside assistance, which is vital when dealing with large-scale disasters that overwhelm local resources.

Throughout the book, Levinson and Domb emphasize the need for continuous training and evaluation to maintain readiness for DVI. They provide guidance on developing and implementing training programs, conducting exercises, and evaluating performance to identify improvement areas. This proactive approach to preparedness sets this book apart from others in the field.

The book is well-organized and easy to follow, making it accessible to both professionals and those new to the field. The authors provide clear explanations and practical examples, enhancing understanding and facilitating application of the concepts presented.

Overall, Disaster Victim Identification: A Manager’s Guide to Policy and Procedures is a valuable resource for professionals involved in disaster planning and response. It offers comprehensive insights into the integration of DVI into overall disaster operations, highlighting best practices and lessons learned from firsthand experiences. This book is a must-read for anyone involved in managing or coordinating disaster response efforts.

Don’t miss out on this essential guide! Order your copy of Disaster Victim Identification today and ensure that you are well-prepared to handle the complexities of DVI in disaster situations. This book will be a valuable addition to your professional library, providing you with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively manage DVI operations.