If next of kin cannot be located shortly after a person's death, what is necessary for preservation of the remains?

Preservation of human remains shortly after death is crucial to prevent decomposition, especially when next of kin cannot be located. Refrigeration is effective in slowing down the decomposition process, allowing additional time for the necessary arrangements regarding the remains to be made. This method is typically the first line of action in the handling of bodies until further decisions can be taken regarding final disposition.

Embalming, while also a method for preservation, is more complex and often involves more time and resources. It may not be immediately feasible when urgency is needed, especially in the absence of next of kin. Cremation and burial are final dispositions rather than preservation methods, and they require arrangements and decisions that cannot be made without consulting the deceased's family or next of kin. Therefore, refrigeration stands out as the most immediate and practical solution for preserving remains when the next of kin are unlocatable.