The Last Memory - An Incomplete Journey

Abstract

A final good bye during disease or pandemics are even more distressing as they defy the concepts of an ideal death or perfect death. Family members may not have the opportunity to achieve closure by resolving unfinished business. The pain and guilt of not physically seeing or being with their loved ones during their suffering exacerbates the grief. Furthermore, a lack of social recognition with impaired support system along with the absence of last rites results in a state of disenfranchised grief. This is likely to result in a prolonged grief disorder, a condition which imperils the physical and psychological well-being of an individual. Irrespective of race, religion or culture death is almost universally followed by a funeral service or ritual. Across the globe, communities have developed these rites to enable individuals and families cope and deal with the loss of their loved one. The way in which individuals react to the death of a loved one varies across cultures. The coping mechanisms to this grief however, remain remarkably constant. A funeral ritual allows for a culturally accepted expression of emotions, emphasizing the irreversibility of death. It also initiates the recovery processes of continuity, transition and transformation. Lack of familiarity with cultural and religious practices on the part of personnel involved in dead body management can have serious consequences for the society. This article will aid in understanding the different perspective on management of the dead, and how last rites might be adapted to minimize the possible risk of further infection in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. The current experience throughout the world has shown the vulnerability of health-care systems is a disaster with mass casualties. Handling the dead without hampering the dignity of the deceased and of the surviving family has become a challenge for all. Before any crisis overwhelms responders and resources, emergency response plans should be established and activated to ensure the reliable identification and documentation of the dead. The current review was carried out to recommend the proper management of dead bodies in the COVID-19 mass disaster with a particular focus on resource-poor countries, such as India.