Thanks to Forensic Magazine for this:
In a groundbreaking event, University of Wisconsin-Platteville forensic investigation students participated in the first-ever cold weather Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team (DMORT) Full-Scale Exercise.
Held at Northern Michigan University (Marquette, MI) earlier this month, the mass fatality response training was conducted in freezing conditions. Students joined members of more than a dozen agencies representing local, state, regional and federal response teams.
“Through this mutually beneficial exercise, our students gained invaluable forensic experience and real-world connections while DMORT members gained new insight and renewed motivation for their own work,” said forensic anthropologist and UW-Platteville Professor Janamarie Truesdell. “Hopefully, memories of this exercise will continue to inspire our UW-Platteville students throughout their forensic careers.”
In the wake of incidents involving multiple fatalities, small-town emergency response teams can quickly become overwhelmed and that’s when state and federal agencies are called upon to assist. Their primary objective is to respond as swiftly as possible, ensuring that victims are identified and returned to their families with dignity. Critical equipment, such as dental and full-body X-ray machines, are housed in facilities that meet specific temperature requirements. In disaster scenarios, such accommodations may not always be available.
“Conducting forensic work in a controlled environment is one challenge—doing it in freezing temperatures for eight hours straight is another,” said Truesdell. “Students worked inside 50-degree tents, dressed in layers of PPE, with only a 30-minute break for lunch. Maintaining focus and stamina in such conditions tested both their mental and physical endurance.”
The group worked inside Western Shelter tents to construct portable morgue units. These specialized tents are designed to endure extreme conditions, capable of withstanding 50-mile-per-hour winds and up to seven inches of snow, providing a reliable base for recovery operations even in challenging environments.
“The interior of the tents was maintained at around 45-degrees, occasionally lowered to 40-degrees to test equipment limits,” said junior Rowynn Whyte from Streamwood, Illinios, who is pursuing a degree in forensic investigation with a crime scene emphasis. “Despite the cooler temperatures, it remained comfortable, especially when active and wearing Tyvek suits. Proper insulation, PPE and ventilation prevented the tents from becoming stuffy or overheated. Overall, the training was a great success, demonstrating that the DMORT team could take on more extreme conditions in future missions.”
Students were assigned a critical role as trackers, responsible for following a specific set of remains through each stage of the forensic process. Stations covered forensic anthropology, X-rays, DNA sampling, fingerprinting, dental record tracing and photography of personal effects. This immersive experience exposed them to the complexities of disaster response and interdisciplinary teamwork. Beyond the technical training, the event provided an invaluable networking platform for students.
“We had the opportunity to work with professionals and learn how they identify victims at each stage of the process,” explained Ellie Maaske, a senior from Yorkville, Illinois, earning a degree in forensic investigation. “The hands-on experience was unexpected but invaluable, allowing us as students to deepen our understanding of how we can contribute in the future.”
Each participant was introduced to an established forensic professional in their area of interest, creating mentorship opportunities that could shape their careers. Additionally, the involvement of UW-Platteville’s forensic program placed it on the radar of high-level forensic professionals, opening doors for future collaborations. As a result of the students’ exceptional performance, DMORT has expressed interest in seeking more university partnerships for future training events.
“As someone aspiring to be a forensic anthropologist, this exercise was excellent practice, reinforcing what I’ve learned in previous classes. It also opened my eyes to new opportunities to make a meaningful impact,” said Maaske.
Their ability to adapt, follow protocols and maintain professionalism in real-world conditions continues to solidify their credibility as future forensic experts.
