Mass Casualty Incident Investigation Considerations

There are some considerations for investigating Mass Casualty Incidents -- MCI's. I'm not inferring not to do them, some of the largest MCI's sites in history are on my wishlist of investigations. What I do suggest is... prepare yourself and make time for some additional considerations. MCI's are battlefields, man-made tragedies, and natural tragedies. Often spirits at MCI sites are unaware they may have passed due to the suddeness of the events and may ask for "help".


A preparation to consider is the possible emotional toll that investigating such a site might cause on you and your team. The occurrence of an emotional tsunami is always a possibility. Some pre-planning beyond the normal investigation may be needed. Which members of your group are better suited for this investigation? Is there someone still dealing with the loss of a loved one or someone exhibiting signs of stress that should stay behind? Is there sensitives in your group that you may or may not want to come along and are they prepared for emotional bombardment? What are some of the contingents to address any emotional encounters? Exit plans should be generated should this situation arise- does the affected person and one transporter leave or is it the whole team? What post-investigation coping system will be set up?


The safety of the team should be priority over achieving an investigation. Giving up on a site because the group or a member is over-wrought with emotion isn't a bad thing. You've lost nothing. You didn't fail. Any experience is a learning experience-- set backs are just that, set backs. Maybe more preparation is needed or maybe MCI's aren't for your group. Sit down, review the aspects of the investigation and determine the next course of events. Maybe counseling sessions, peer-to-peer support efforts, or spiritual exercises are needed to reinforce the member or the whole team. Safety first-- spiritual, emotional, and physical.


Another consideration for investigating a MCI site is the impact upon survivors or family members. A realization that an investigation may re-open wounds and emotional wells needs to be heavily considered. Any investigation is invasive- however, for survivors and family members who's loved one may be "wandering around" and inquired to may suffer at the hands of the investigator. This may be counter-active to their belief they passed quickly and are now "safely on the otherside".


If it is a relatively new MCI, do not rely on survivors or family members for validation of your information, even if they are the one's that requested your investigation, broach any research into "lingering" spirits discovered through other sources. The survivor or family member may be attempting to use you a coping mechanism-- hopefully you will discover this in your initial interview -- but unless you are a qualified grief counselor, refer them to one and suggest they cope with the grief first. It is crucial that the grieving process be addressed, for the health and safety of the survivor or family member as well as your investigation team.


The emotional threat from an MCI doesn't remain at the site, it may lie in your evidence as well. You may need to prepare yourself for that voice that weakly calls for help. Sounds of crying children. Voices of anger-- imagine confusion about your situation compounded by the inability to communicate-- resounding from an EVP. The off chance that you encounter "lower-level entity" or demons in the situation is a possibility as well -- distress and fear are powerful draws essentially. (I'm not saying their present at all MCI's but the probability is there. Better to be aware by the possibility.)


An additional consideration is possible ethical dilemmas that arise from an MCI investigation. Do you investigate an MCI? Do you keep your investigation results private or publish them? You find out that there are spirits that haven't "crossed over"-- what do you do? Do you try to cross them yourself or do you contact a spiritual leader? A survivor or family member becomes outraged by your investigation -- what do you do?

Mass Casualty Incidents essentially generate a web of questions and consideration for anyone investigating. Planning, preparations, and contigencies should be layed out in advance and initated when needed. It is crucial to remember -- safety and welfare of all involved parties is number one -- be it the spirits, survivors, family members, or the team.

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As always- comments, criticisms, insights, and experiences are welcome.