Determining the utility of radio frequency identification ( RFID ) technology for disaster victim identification ( DVI )

Abstract

Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology was evaluated as a method for electronically tracking human remains and associated identifying information during mass fatality incidents. Conventional tags are prone to physical damage and failure, which can compromise identification processes and hinder the repatriation of bodies. Nine types of uniquely numbered RFID tags were deployed in decompositional and burial environments to assess the survivability of different types of RFID tags buried, inserted, and attached to pig carcasses. The best method of insertion or attachment to keep tags in situ, and whether physical writing in pencil or permanent marker remained on the tags' surfaces. In a series of four studies of whole carcasses, pieces of tissue, as human proxies, and burials in soil, all but two tags were determined to be viable throughout the decomposition process. All tags displayed movement issues, so bone attachment sites are recommended. Handwritten labels on the tags prepared under dry conditions and when protected from decompositional fluids held up better than writing interacting with the fluids. We found the most useful tags were the LF Yellow Ear Tag and the UHF White Tag.