How is embalming process done

Tubes are inserted into the body and attached to a machine, which pumps the embalming fluid in through the jugular vein in the neck or femoral vein in the leg, causing the natural body fluids to be circulated around the body. A tube is inserted via a small incision and te fluids are removed with a suction machine.

These fluids are then replaced by embalming solution and the small incision is closed. Before a body is embalmed, it is carefully washed and then washed again after the procedure.

During embalming it is massaged, to help work the preserving fluids through the body. The jaw is sutured with invisible stitches to keep it in place, while caps placed under the eyelids help keep them closed.

Cosmetics are used to enhance a natural appearance and are formulated to be used by funeral directors in their care of the deceased. Post-mortem surgery , for instance, is a highly expert reconstructive embalming skill, carried out following traumatic deaths such as road accidents.

In cases when it would otherwise be too distressing to view — or perhaps even recognise — a loved one due to their injuries, top embalmers work to reconstruct the features of the person who has died. Embalming also gives people an opportunity to allow for more time with their loved one before the funeral. They might want to bring them to lie at home, or visit them in a chapel of rest. It can afford family members from further away time to get to where they need to be, to pay their respects.

Yes, a body can be viewed without embalming. Embalming is simply one of many funeral options to choose when someone dies. A body that has not been embalmed will begin to undergo the natural processes that happen after death, sooner. It is usual for someone to be embalmed before they are brought home for an open coffin viewing or a wake, although this is not always the case. In circumstances where a person has not been embalmed and is brought home for an open or closed coffin wake, the funeral is generally held within a few days of the death and the room is kept very cool.

When is embalming required? Does embalming protect community health? How well does it preserve the body? Why is embalming promoted? What is the embalming process? Rigor mortis stiffness is relieved by massage. Rarely, tendons or muscles must be cut for a more natural pose if limbs are distorted by disease, e. Massage cream is used on the face and hands to keep the skin soft and pliable. Facial features are set by putting cotton in the nose, eye caps below the eyelids, and a mouth-former in the mouth, with cotton or gauze in the throat to absorb purging fluids.

The mouth is then tied shut with wire or sutures. Glue may be used on the eyelids or lips to keep them closed in an appropriate pose. Facial hair is shaved if necessary. Arterial embalming is begun by injecting embalming fluid into an artery while blood is drained from a nearby vein or from the heart.

If someone has passed, please call us immediately. A list of common questions we're asked by families after the death of a loved one. Find out more. Our online guide allows you to create a personalised checklist of things you'll need to do after someone passes away. Find A Funeral Director Search by town or postcode. What to do when someone dies. What to do immediately. First steps after a death. Useful guides. After the funeral.

Arranging a funeral. Before the funeral. Planning ahead. Prepaid Funeral Plans. About Funeral Plans. Our Funeral Plans. About Us. About Dignity. Our Funeral Directors. Advice and guidance categories. Most popular guides. Latest guides. Setting the features involves closing the eyes and mouth and placing cotton in the mouth to give the person a more natural expression.

Next, I gently flex the arms, legs and fingers to relieve the muscle tension or stiffness of rigor mortis. I position the hands one over the other, wash the body, cover the genitals to preserve modesty and prepare the tools I will need to embalm. Typically, we use a scalpel to make a small incision near the right collarbone.

From there, we search for the common carotid artery and internal jugular vein. A small incision is made in each. Arterial tubes are placed in the artery one is directed towards the heart, while the other is directed towards the head. A drain tube, or angled forceps, is also placed in the vein to facilitate drainage of blood. The hose, connected to the embalming machine, is then connected to the arterial tube directed towards the heart.

The embalming machine is then adjusted to regulate pressure the force of the fluid and rate of flow speed of the fluid. These knobs are adjusted differently during embalming for each case to create the optimum rate of injection for the body. The machine is switched on and the fluid begins to move through the hose, through the arterial tube and into the body.

As the embalming fluid is pushed through the arterial system, the blood is forced out through the jugular vein. The body is vigorously massaged with a soapy sponge to help facilitate drainage and distribution of embalming fluid. The tissue will begin to firm and take on a rosy appearance, which is an excellent indication of adequate distribution and a successful embalming.

The tubes are then removed, the vein and artery tied off and the incision is sutured. Next, the cavity is treated. Fluid is suctioned from the hollow organs with an instrument called a trocar, then a high-index very strong fluid is placed into the cavity and the incision is closed with a small circular plastic button like device referred to as a trocar button.

The deceased is again washed. Their hair is combed and cream is placed on their face to prevent skin dehydration. The deceased is then covered and will remain in the preparation room until they are dressed, cosmetized and ready to be placed into a casket for viewing. Typically the viewing takes place a few days after death. So I will clean up the prep room and leave until it's time for the next embalming or until its time to dress and casket someone who's been previously embalmed.

If a person dies tragically murder, suicide, automobile accident the embalming process is drastically different. Tell us about something surprising, or unexpected, that happened to you while working:.

I've had several interesting things happen on the job, but one particular moment comes to mind. I went in for a 3am embalming and heard a strange whisper. I quickly fumbled for the lights and, upon turning them on, figured out that the noise was coming from the occupied stretcher. I approached with caution expecting the person inside could be alive.

However, upon unzipping the cover, I found a tape recorder that I later found out was playing a Buddhist chant. The next day the family explained that, ideally, a monk would be at the place of death to chant when the soul exits the body. Chanting calms the soul, which the buddhists believe, is in a state of confusion and fright after exiting the body.

The soul of the deceased must be put at ease with food and chant throughout the difficult time of transition. This particular experience was both enlightening and frightening! My job is fulfilling when a particularly difficult case comes out better than expected. If a family decides to keep a casket open, when they previously thought they wouldn't be able to, or when someone compliments my work.

The best compliment I got was from a woman whose daughter died of bone cancer. She took my hand and said, "Thank you, she's so beautiful, she looks like she could get up and dance. In other states they have separate licenses for funeral directors and embalmers. Even though I am licensed to perform all aspects of the business, I work as an embalmer because I enjoy that particular aspect of the business and found that it allows me to spend a significant amount of time with my family.

Trade embalmers, like myself, are paid by the job. Usually we work for more than one location and will embalm, dress, casket, cosmetize and do restorative work.

Trade embalmers have the potential to make significantly more than the average funeral director depending on how many locations they work for and how busy those locations are. However, we do not receive health benefits because we are not full-time employees.

I'm fortunate enough to say that I have not made any major mistakes.