  Disaster victim identification (DVI) entails a protracted process of evidence
collection and data matching to reconcile physical remains with victim
identity. Technology is critical to DVI by enabling the linkage of physical
evidence to information. However, labelling physical remains and collecting
data at the scene are dominated by low-technology paper-based practices. We
ask, how can technology help us tag and track the victims of disaster? Our
response has two parts. First, we conducted a human-computer interaction led
investigation into the systematic factors impacting DVI tagging and tracking
processes. Through interviews with Australian DVI practitioners, we explored
how technologies to improve linkage might fit with prevailing work practices
and preferences; practical and social considerations; and existing systems and
processes. Using insights from these interviews and relevant literature, we
identified four critical themes: protocols and training; stress and stressors;
the plurality of information capture and management systems; and practicalities
and constraints. Second, we applied the themes identified in the first part of
the investigation to critically review technologies that could support DVI
practitioners by enhancing DVI processes that link physical evidence to
information. This resulted in an overview of candidate technologies matched
with consideration of their key attributes. This study recognises the
importance of considering human factors that can affect technology adoption
into existing practices. We provide a searchable table (Supplementary
Information) that relates technologies to the key attributes relevant to DVI
practice, for the reader to apply to their own context. While this research
directly contributes to DVI, it also has applications to other domains in which
a physical/digital linkage is required, particularly within high-stress
environments.
