Prepared for difficult outcomes: strengthening AUSMAT’s mortuary capability

20 Feb 2026

Effective disaster and emergency response requires readiness across all phases of a deployment, including outcomes that are sensitive and challenging. To strengthen AUSMAT’s capability in these situations, the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre (NCCTRC) has upgraded the AUSMAT Emergency Medical Team (EMT) morgue asset.

The upgrade enhances AUSMAT’s ability to safely, respectfully and temporarily manage the deceased, in coordination with local systems, during health emergencies. Funded by the Australian Government, the asset supports AUSMAT operations while helping affected communities and families navigate incredibly difficult circumstances.

The morgue asset, part of the deployable cache since AUSMAT's early development.

From legacy asset to modern capability

Unlike hospital-based morgues, temporary field-deployable morgues must function in austere and rapidly changing environments often with limited infrastructure and under significant operational pressure.

“AUSMAT’s field mortuary is designed to ensure the safe, respectful and temporary care of people who have died,” said Aaron Perry, NCCTRC's Director of Emergency Management and Logistics.

It enables AUSMAT to operate with professionalism and dignity in environments where local systems are under pressure and critical decisions must be made quickly.

The new morgue asset.

Compared to the previous asset – which was heavier and more complex to setup and maintain – the upgraded morgue significantly improves portability, reduces logistical burden, and enhances operational safety.

Key improvements

Portability and rapid deployment

The modular asset can be assembled quickly without tools. Lightweight frame sections expand and clip together, reducing setup complexity and minimising manual handling risks for AUSMAT health logisticians working in high-pressure environments. The light modular design also reduces transport weight and volume, enabling more efficient air and ground deployment while lowering logistical burden and minimising environmental impact.
Safe and efficient refrigerated storage

The asset includes refrigerated body storage supported by an integrated chiller unit, with roller racking and a front-access design to improve handling safety and operational efficiency. With a maximum capacity of 8 bodies, the asset supports surge requirements while remaining manageable in field conditions.
Sustainable and low-maintenance operation

The design removes reliance on consumables, reduces maintenance demands, and improves reliability during prolonged deployments. This contributes to reduced waste, fewer replacement parts over time, and a lower lifecycle environmental impact, strengthening the long-term sustainability of AUSMAT operations.

Designed to maintain self-sufficiency in austere environments

The morgue aligns with international emergency preparedness principles, including the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Classification and Minimum Standards for EMTs.

The self-contained approach enables AUSMAT to maintain continuity of care and ensure the dignified management of deceased persons while minimising additional burden on host-nation systems. It also supports the rapid establishment of a mortuary capability alongside clinical infrastructure and operations, ensuring sustained operational effectiveness.

“While everyone hopes this asset is never required, it is a necessary part of AUSMAT’s responsible emergency and disaster response,” Aaron noted.

Support during vulnerable moments

Beyond technical improvements, the upgraded morgue asset is also defined by its human impact. A reliable mortuary management process helps mitigate additional trauma for families, support respectful processes, and enables AUSMAT members to perform their duties with confidence.

“AUSMAT supports families and communities during their most vulnerable moments," Aaron shared.

With this mortuary capability, AUSMAT is equipped to respond professionally and compassionately to the full range of outcomes a deployment may bring.