Sorry, it's been crazy busy for me the last week or so and I haven't had a moment to contemplate my waffle on this blog.
Amongst some of my clients this month I have looked after a young child who had terminal cancer and someone killed in a road traffic accident. Both of these cases make one stop and think and appreciate all the more ones blessings. I must say that thankfully the majority of deceased for me are elderly.
Dealing with infant or child death is always distressing. Everyone working on the firm has a heavy heart, it affects all of us knowing a little one is on the premises; some from their own life experience, others from empathy. I have great respect for the funeral director at such times as he or she helps them say goodbye to their precious baby in a most dignified manner. I don't know how anyone can face the death of their child and continue to breathe, I admire grieving parents and relatives so much for their strength and bravery.
Funeral homes and embalmers have a few ways to give mementoes to the parents. Sometimes a foot or hand print, sometimes a lock of hair and more lately there is a number of jewellers who make jewellery detailing finger prints. I printed hands and feet last week with coloured ink, and remembered doing the same with my child at a similar age. The difference being that my child was squirming and protesting. Its so very, very sad. Something I have never got used to and hope I never do.
Road traffic accidents (RTAs) have a varying effect on the deceased for embalming purposes. Firstly, they always have been the subject of a post mortem and then the wounds inflicted from the accident vary. Sometimes there is barely a scratch as they died from a broken neck or compression from the seat belt or steering wheel. Other times there are many broken limbs. The worst of course is when there are lacerations to the face and shattered facial bones. A shattered skull or jaw bone takes a great deal of time and patience to reconstruct to the correct and natural shape.
Facial injuries are my prime concern. The families often need to say their goodbyes seeing as little evidence of the accident as possible on their loved one. Often, they have viewed in hospital for identification purposes and we need to fix that final memory into one of peace. Broken limbs can be hidden under clothing, but someone hitting a tree face on is a complicated and 'midnight oil' mission. There are many cosmetics which can be applied and thankfully some also specially developed for our use.
I raise a glass to you all, my deceased clients, and hope that in some little way I have enabled your loved ones to have peaceful thoughts of you, this and every Yule x
And to my readers, a peaceful and comfortable yuletide and a prosperous new year. May your God go with you xx
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
Thursday, 24 November 2011
Petrol or Horse power?
I was just having a look at The Good Funeral Guide blog and it reminded me of a funeral the other week which used horses.
It really is a sight for sore eyes to see the majestic beasts parading down the high street. I particularly love the black horses and black hearse. Then when the family chooses red roses as their coffin spray - woah! Beautiful Gothic elegance. Some horses are white and there are white hearses which I believe some consider more lady-like and modern.
There are a few other ways you can be carried to your journeys end, including a motorcycle hearse and here is a link to the website of A W Lymn in Nottingham who have their own double decker bus!
The places I work have their own fleets of black hearse and limousines. One places sister company has a silver fleet so we are able to offer both from within the company which is nice. Funeral directors will source whatever you would like and it really is something special when an alternative is chosen.
It really is a sight for sore eyes to see the majestic beasts parading down the high street. I particularly love the black horses and black hearse. Then when the family chooses red roses as their coffin spray - woah! Beautiful Gothic elegance. Some horses are white and there are white hearses which I believe some consider more lady-like and modern.
The places I work have their own fleets of black hearse and limousines. One places sister company has a silver fleet so we are able to offer both from within the company which is nice. Funeral directors will source whatever you would like and it really is something special when an alternative is chosen.
Thursday, 17 November 2011
Glass of Claret anyone?
I love blood.
There. I've said it.
Whilst I was draining recently, I was completely mesmerised by the colour, viscosity, clots and the sheer volume. We embalmers love a good bit of draining. Of course, pretty much only because it means the rate of decomposition is reduced the more of it we can remove. But we do love a good bit of drainage.
The largish chap I was embalming really needed a good saturation. He was to be with us for a couple of weeks, and although its generally chilly of late, I wanted excellent, thorough treatment. I raised both Carotid Arteries and the right Internal Jugular Vein as my initial injection/drainage points. He embalmed very well and the quality of his draining blood was additional evidence to me that he would be able to be viewed easily until his funeral.
There. I've said it.
Whilst I was draining recently, I was completely mesmerised by the colour, viscosity, clots and the sheer volume. We embalmers love a good bit of draining. Of course, pretty much only because it means the rate of decomposition is reduced the more of it we can remove. But we do love a good bit of drainage.
The largish chap I was embalming really needed a good saturation. He was to be with us for a couple of weeks, and although its generally chilly of late, I wanted excellent, thorough treatment. I raised both Carotid Arteries and the right Internal Jugular Vein as my initial injection/drainage points. He embalmed very well and the quality of his draining blood was additional evidence to me that he would be able to be viewed easily until his funeral.
Wednesday, 9 November 2011
Funerals for all to see
Watching some footage of Sir Jimmy Saville's funeral today has reminded me how scary it is to embalm someone who has been in the public eye.
Mentioning no names (sorry, BIE confidentiality etc), someone who I embalmed with a colleague a few years ago had a high profile and the funeral was photographed and filmed, and attended by a number of high profile individuals.
Sounds very mysterious doesn't it? Well, it was a very nerve wracking event! Having to ensure that the remains were embalmed thoroughly and maintaining a possibility for viewing until the funeral was absolute. It always is I suppose, but knowing your work was being scrutinised for the world to see, if so requested, is a bum clenching experience. My colleague and I steeled ourselves and got on with it.
Of course, the hard work was really in the hands of the Funeral Director and the coffin bearers. They did an outstanding piece of work and the resultant funeral was proper.
Mentioning no names (sorry, BIE confidentiality etc), someone who I embalmed with a colleague a few years ago had a high profile and the funeral was photographed and filmed, and attended by a number of high profile individuals.
Sounds very mysterious doesn't it? Well, it was a very nerve wracking event! Having to ensure that the remains were embalmed thoroughly and maintaining a possibility for viewing until the funeral was absolute. It always is I suppose, but knowing your work was being scrutinised for the world to see, if so requested, is a bum clenching experience. My colleague and I steeled ourselves and got on with it.
Of course, the hard work was really in the hands of the Funeral Director and the coffin bearers. They did an outstanding piece of work and the resultant funeral was proper.
Sunday, 6 November 2011
Questions?
I know it can be a pain to register to comment, but I would love to answer some questions and post them here. Lots of people I meet ask me the same things.
So, please feel free to ask me any questions and I will do my best to give you an honest and personal answer.
So, please feel free to ask me any questions and I will do my best to give you an honest and personal answer.
Leaf Kicking
I've just got in from a lovely walk with the dogs through one of my local heaths. I love Autumn so much, the colours, smells and the whole 'will it, wont it rain' challenge when dressing for a walk.
Kicking through the leaves made me think about decomposition and in particular, the work of The Body Farm. The university is in Knoxville, USA and since 1971 has been studying all aspects of decomposition under the tutelage of Dr Bill Bass. A few years ago, we were very lucky to have a lecture from one of his colleagues at Keele University as part of our BIE Educational Weekend.
Maggot season has mostly finished for us now. In the summer months we regularly have cases of maggots where the deceased unfortunately has been exposed to flies. In colder months it is less so. Maggots have a knack of emerging from nostrils and mouths, just like something from a horror film. I abhor them. Few things turn my stomach, as you can imagine, but snot and maggots manage to make me clench my gut everytime. I have to remove every last one of them if there is to be any sleep for me that night. Knowing that a family may need to say goodbye and that at any time a maggot could wriggle its way through the skin is my idea of hell. We all joke of how we are 'merely maggot food' but that isn't something that needs to be witnessed first hand.
Before, during and after embalming, I use my forceps to pull away any maggots I can see. Then I use something called 'Dry Wash' and inject it through the nostrils and use my suction tube in the mouth to flush the area through. A friend of mine once told me that her father taught her how to do that with water to clear her nasal passages every morning! Ewww....
Dry Wash has a good effect in killing maggots and not damaging the tissues of the deceased. Often a maggoty case has had a post mortem so I am able to see right up through the throat from inside the open trunk and can get a clear view of any that may remain. Washing and cleaning and plucking maggots away. In any event, it really need constant vigilance. Colleagues are warned to check constantly and certainly be in attendance during the viewing, ready to discreetly pounce with forceps and a tissue should something wriggle its way to the surface. Ultimately, ensuring a peaceful goodbye is absolute.
Enjoy your Sunday lunch my friends!
Kicking through the leaves made me think about decomposition and in particular, the work of The Body Farm. The university is in Knoxville, USA and since 1971 has been studying all aspects of decomposition under the tutelage of Dr Bill Bass. A few years ago, we were very lucky to have a lecture from one of his colleagues at Keele University as part of our BIE Educational Weekend.
Maggot season has mostly finished for us now. In the summer months we regularly have cases of maggots where the deceased unfortunately has been exposed to flies. In colder months it is less so. Maggots have a knack of emerging from nostrils and mouths, just like something from a horror film. I abhor them. Few things turn my stomach, as you can imagine, but snot and maggots manage to make me clench my gut everytime. I have to remove every last one of them if there is to be any sleep for me that night. Knowing that a family may need to say goodbye and that at any time a maggot could wriggle its way through the skin is my idea of hell. We all joke of how we are 'merely maggot food' but that isn't something that needs to be witnessed first hand.
Before, during and after embalming, I use my forceps to pull away any maggots I can see. Then I use something called 'Dry Wash' and inject it through the nostrils and use my suction tube in the mouth to flush the area through. A friend of mine once told me that her father taught her how to do that with water to clear her nasal passages every morning! Ewww....
Dry Wash has a good effect in killing maggots and not damaging the tissues of the deceased. Often a maggoty case has had a post mortem so I am able to see right up through the throat from inside the open trunk and can get a clear view of any that may remain. Washing and cleaning and plucking maggots away. In any event, it really need constant vigilance. Colleagues are warned to check constantly and certainly be in attendance during the viewing, ready to discreetly pounce with forceps and a tissue should something wriggle its way to the surface. Ultimately, ensuring a peaceful goodbye is absolute.
Enjoy your Sunday lunch my friends!
Wednesday, 2 November 2011
Location, location, location
Its all about where to start your injection from...
Modern embalming is replacing blood and body fluids with formaldehyde and other chemical preservatives to create a natural, peaceful appearance. To do this we need to push the fluid under either manual or electrical pressure through the arterial system of the body.
In order to do this, certain legal requirements have to be carried out. The death must be registered and permission from the family sought. Often the funeral arranger will call this 'hygienic treatment'. A good funeral arranger won't have any problem finding the right words to use to discuss this with their families. In the case of a burial, only one GP needs to see the deceased but if there is to be a cremation, two GPs must sign the relevant papers.
When the funeral home calls me to tell me they need me, they usually tell me how many people I need to embalm. This helps me plan my day and prioritise those who need embalming soonest due to viewing commitments or funeral times.
I arrive at the theatre and fill the sink with hot water and disinfectant. I undress the deceased, all the while observing the body assessing what fluids will work best, and looking for wounds or other medical conditions which will affect the process. Whilst undressing, I gently move the limbs in their natural way, thus removing Rigor Mortis which goes when the muscles are moved. At this time I also check names against wrist bands and also jewellery against relevant registers. I place a piece of cotton wadding over the genitals, a Modesty Cloth, as no one wants to be staring at that for an hour, and of course, it's much nicer to retain a little modesty, even with me. I then take my cloths and wash the deceased using my disinfectant water.
Now that I have seen all the deceased can show me, I start to mix my fluids. I chose where I am going to commence my injection. I favour the Axillary Artery in the armpit. Firstly because it gives an even result to the face, but also because no cosmetic work is needed to hide my small incision as it is hidden away and open necked clothing therefore poses no problems. If I chose to use the Carotid Artery (in the neck) my suturing and cosmetics afterwards can usually hide the incision.
I place my kidney dish as a receptacle under the armpit and using my scalpel, I make a small cut. Using other embalming tools, I dissect the underlying tissue to seek the artery and vein. When found, I ligate either end of the small section of artery with ligature and cut it a little open. I then place two tubes, one distal, one proximal, a small way into the artery and tie off. This is repeated with the vein except the vein tube can be presented much further into the vessel for good drainage..
When I have connected my fluid tank with the tube heading into the body, I commence injection. My embalming machine gently pushing the fluid through the tube and into the arterial system all round the body. I look for signs that the fluid is moving round, by checking various veins for protrusion. Starting with the temporal, then left arm, then veins over the trunk, then veins leading into the feet. Satisfied the fluid is moving well, I massage any areas of discolouration due to hypostasis (remember from my previous blog post?) and clean the nails. All the while I am also moving the limbs in their natural manner, encouraging fluid into the tips of fingers and toes. I am checking the fluid distribution in the facial tissues and ensuring the lips are also picking up the fluid.
During this time, the vein will start to release blood into the kidney dish and this can be quickly taken away using the suction of the embalming machine. The blood and any other fluids are held in a glass jar until disposal at the end, into the sluice.
When I am satisfied that sufficient fluid has been injected, I turn that tube off and remove it, ligating the vessel. Then I repeat the injection into the distal tube to enable embalming of the arm and hand. During this time, I attach to the suction tube an instrument called a Trocar, and make a small incision near the breastbone and puncture all organs and aspirate all other body fluids away. For example, the stomach contains fluid, the lungs may contain fluid, as may the bladder and intestines. All this fluid will do its natural job and speed decomposition, but we want to halt it for a few days so a lovely viewing experience can be achieved.
Once all injection and aspiration is complete, a cavity chemical is injected into the abdomen using the trocar to aid embalming of the intestinal tract. Then I use eyecaps over the eyeballs and gently close the eyes. I place cotton wool into the throat from the mouth to prevent any fluids coming up and out (not something the families need to experience in chapel) and suture my incisions. At this time I also take care of any wounds such as IV sites, or slipped skin etc...
The mouth is closed using another small suture (not using the lips!) and shaving is carried out. It is also at this time that I wash the hair, dry and if needed tong it. Moisturiser is then rubbed over the face to ensure it doesn't get sore and dry out. Bottoms are checked for poop or wee, cleaned and if needed cotton wool is packed.
Eyelashes and eyebrows get a once over with a clean wand. Ladies receive a light blusher.
Modern embalming is replacing blood and body fluids with formaldehyde and other chemical preservatives to create a natural, peaceful appearance. To do this we need to push the fluid under either manual or electrical pressure through the arterial system of the body.
In order to do this, certain legal requirements have to be carried out. The death must be registered and permission from the family sought. Often the funeral arranger will call this 'hygienic treatment'. A good funeral arranger won't have any problem finding the right words to use to discuss this with their families. In the case of a burial, only one GP needs to see the deceased but if there is to be a cremation, two GPs must sign the relevant papers.
When the funeral home calls me to tell me they need me, they usually tell me how many people I need to embalm. This helps me plan my day and prioritise those who need embalming soonest due to viewing commitments or funeral times.
I arrive at the theatre and fill the sink with hot water and disinfectant. I undress the deceased, all the while observing the body assessing what fluids will work best, and looking for wounds or other medical conditions which will affect the process. Whilst undressing, I gently move the limbs in their natural way, thus removing Rigor Mortis which goes when the muscles are moved. At this time I also check names against wrist bands and also jewellery against relevant registers. I place a piece of cotton wadding over the genitals, a Modesty Cloth, as no one wants to be staring at that for an hour, and of course, it's much nicer to retain a little modesty, even with me. I then take my cloths and wash the deceased using my disinfectant water.
Now that I have seen all the deceased can show me, I start to mix my fluids. I chose where I am going to commence my injection. I favour the Axillary Artery in the armpit. Firstly because it gives an even result to the face, but also because no cosmetic work is needed to hide my small incision as it is hidden away and open necked clothing therefore poses no problems. If I chose to use the Carotid Artery (in the neck) my suturing and cosmetics afterwards can usually hide the incision.
I place my kidney dish as a receptacle under the armpit and using my scalpel, I make a small cut. Using other embalming tools, I dissect the underlying tissue to seek the artery and vein. When found, I ligate either end of the small section of artery with ligature and cut it a little open. I then place two tubes, one distal, one proximal, a small way into the artery and tie off. This is repeated with the vein except the vein tube can be presented much further into the vessel for good drainage..
When I have connected my fluid tank with the tube heading into the body, I commence injection. My embalming machine gently pushing the fluid through the tube and into the arterial system all round the body. I look for signs that the fluid is moving round, by checking various veins for protrusion. Starting with the temporal, then left arm, then veins over the trunk, then veins leading into the feet. Satisfied the fluid is moving well, I massage any areas of discolouration due to hypostasis (remember from my previous blog post?) and clean the nails. All the while I am also moving the limbs in their natural manner, encouraging fluid into the tips of fingers and toes. I am checking the fluid distribution in the facial tissues and ensuring the lips are also picking up the fluid.
During this time, the vein will start to release blood into the kidney dish and this can be quickly taken away using the suction of the embalming machine. The blood and any other fluids are held in a glass jar until disposal at the end, into the sluice.
When I am satisfied that sufficient fluid has been injected, I turn that tube off and remove it, ligating the vessel. Then I repeat the injection into the distal tube to enable embalming of the arm and hand. During this time, I attach to the suction tube an instrument called a Trocar, and make a small incision near the breastbone and puncture all organs and aspirate all other body fluids away. For example, the stomach contains fluid, the lungs may contain fluid, as may the bladder and intestines. All this fluid will do its natural job and speed decomposition, but we want to halt it for a few days so a lovely viewing experience can be achieved.
Once all injection and aspiration is complete, a cavity chemical is injected into the abdomen using the trocar to aid embalming of the intestinal tract. Then I use eyecaps over the eyeballs and gently close the eyes. I place cotton wool into the throat from the mouth to prevent any fluids coming up and out (not something the families need to experience in chapel) and suture my incisions. At this time I also take care of any wounds such as IV sites, or slipped skin etc...
The mouth is closed using another small suture (not using the lips!) and shaving is carried out. It is also at this time that I wash the hair, dry and if needed tong it. Moisturiser is then rubbed over the face to ensure it doesn't get sore and dry out. Bottoms are checked for poop or wee, cleaned and if needed cotton wool is packed.
Eyelashes and eyebrows get a once over with a clean wand. Ladies receive a light blusher.
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
Causes of death...
Death as a result of a cancer often shows externally in tumours or external wounds. I don't usually get to know the cause of death but colleagues are often able to tell me. If I know the cause of death it helps me to calculate any fluid changes needed and which site to commence my embalming for maximum benefit. And I may decided if more than one site is needed to inject the fluid into the specific area because embalming relies on the circulatory system to move throughout the body. A blockage in the system can greatly affect the dispersal of the fluid.
One of my ladies last week had terrible wounds to her chest and sores which were covered with clinical pads. This led me to believe she suffered from cancer of her breasts or certainly somewhere around there. As a result, she also had tightening of the tissue under her arms which I think is because of the lymphatic system also becoming cancerous or certainly compromised. This meant that the circulation to her arms and hands was poor. The tissue is compressed or a tumour grows and the lymphatics and vessels struggle to return blood flow and tissue fluid.
This lady also had a massively swollen arm. That's the only way I can describe it. Her arm had become so swollen from lack of drainage that it was full to bursting. On choosing my point of injection, I considered that this arm needed extra attention and despite the constricted vessels, I decided to use the axillary artery proximal to the brachial so I would have more room to manipulate the injection tubes if needed.
I am pleased to say that her embalming went well and she looked lovely and peaceful. I used additional chemicals to help prevent accelerated decomposition in her arm and wrapped it in special absorbant cloth in case of seapage.
She must have suffered a great deal during that last stage of her illness, and I left her looking at rest, knowing that nothing of that will be apparent to her loved ones should they have chosen to visit chapel.
One of my ladies last week had terrible wounds to her chest and sores which were covered with clinical pads. This led me to believe she suffered from cancer of her breasts or certainly somewhere around there. As a result, she also had tightening of the tissue under her arms which I think is because of the lymphatic system also becoming cancerous or certainly compromised. This meant that the circulation to her arms and hands was poor. The tissue is compressed or a tumour grows and the lymphatics and vessels struggle to return blood flow and tissue fluid.
This lady also had a massively swollen arm. That's the only way I can describe it. Her arm had become so swollen from lack of drainage that it was full to bursting. On choosing my point of injection, I considered that this arm needed extra attention and despite the constricted vessels, I decided to use the axillary artery proximal to the brachial so I would have more room to manipulate the injection tubes if needed.
I am pleased to say that her embalming went well and she looked lovely and peaceful. I used additional chemicals to help prevent accelerated decomposition in her arm and wrapped it in special absorbant cloth in case of seapage.
She must have suffered a great deal during that last stage of her illness, and I left her looking at rest, knowing that nothing of that will be apparent to her loved ones should they have chosen to visit chapel.
Thursday, 20 October 2011
The British Institute of Embalmers
Often when I tell people that I am an embalmer, they ask me why we need to embalm. Often they confuse it with mummification and are pleasantly surprised to learn we have moved on a little!
According to my theoretical tutor, Miss Sheila Dicks of Salisbury College of Funeral Sciences, the author of the British Institute of Embalmers text book, there are three reasons for embalming;
Preservation - to ensure that the deceased is able to be viewed prior to the funeral
Presentation - to ensure that the deceased looks natural and peaceful for the loved ones to say their goodbyes
Sanitation - to ensure that anyone who comes into contact with the deceased is able to do so without fear of infection.
As a qualified embalmer I am a member of The British Institute of Embalmers (BIE) and my professional qualifications enable me to embalm someone who has to leave England for overseas burial or cremation. To qualify I had to sit five modular exams and two three hour finals. I then had to embalm for an examiner and finally have my case reports scrutinised. There are many schools, in the UK and worldwide that award the qualification which enables one to apply for membership to the Institute and currently the text book and examination system is being reviewed.
Members of other organisations around the world can apply for membership to the BIE and as international members they also uphold the BIE code of ethics.
1. I believe that the practice of Embalming is in the interest of Public Health and promise to promote embalming to the best of my ability.
2. I will treat with respect each dead human body.
3. I pledge a complete confidential relationship to those I am called upon to serve.
4. I will endeavour to promote scientific research in the problems affecting Embalming.
5. I undertake to abide by the regulations of the B.I.E. and to support, to the best of my ability, any meeting or gathering arranged by them.
According to my theoretical tutor, Miss Sheila Dicks of Salisbury College of Funeral Sciences, the author of the British Institute of Embalmers text book, there are three reasons for embalming;
Preservation - to ensure that the deceased is able to be viewed prior to the funeral
Presentation - to ensure that the deceased looks natural and peaceful for the loved ones to say their goodbyes
Sanitation - to ensure that anyone who comes into contact with the deceased is able to do so without fear of infection.
As a qualified embalmer I am a member of The British Institute of Embalmers (BIE) and my professional qualifications enable me to embalm someone who has to leave England for overseas burial or cremation. To qualify I had to sit five modular exams and two three hour finals. I then had to embalm for an examiner and finally have my case reports scrutinised. There are many schools, in the UK and worldwide that award the qualification which enables one to apply for membership to the Institute and currently the text book and examination system is being reviewed.
Members of other organisations around the world can apply for membership to the BIE and as international members they also uphold the BIE code of ethics.
1. I believe that the practice of Embalming is in the interest of Public Health and promise to promote embalming to the best of my ability.
2. I will treat with respect each dead human body.
3. I pledge a complete confidential relationship to those I am called upon to serve.
4. I will endeavour to promote scientific research in the problems affecting Embalming.
5. I undertake to abide by the regulations of the B.I.E. and to support, to the best of my ability, any meeting or gathering arranged by them.
Friday, 14 October 2011
Caring for the elderly
There has been much in the British press the last couple of days about NHS hospitals and their care of the elderly. The whole subject has been brought about because of changes the government wants to make to our National Health Service. I find the whole subject very sad, not least because everyone deserves the best level of care, but because the NHS Hospitals seem to be singled out just now.
Today I embalmed; someone who was living in a private care home, another person who died whilst under the care of an NHS hospital and another person who died at home. Can you guess who had the grubbiest fingernails and hair? Of course you cant, because as much as I could say that one was worse than the other, I can honestly also say that it changes from day to day, patient to patient, circumstance to circumstance.
It would be nice, if following death, their named nurse completed last offices as their final act for their patient. Sometimes people come to me with clean nails and dentures in situ and one can only hope it is the general pressure of work placed on the nursing staff and not laziness which prevents them from doing so.
Today I embalmed; someone who was living in a private care home, another person who died whilst under the care of an NHS hospital and another person who died at home. Can you guess who had the grubbiest fingernails and hair? Of course you cant, because as much as I could say that one was worse than the other, I can honestly also say that it changes from day to day, patient to patient, circumstance to circumstance.
It would be nice, if following death, their named nurse completed last offices as their final act for their patient. Sometimes people come to me with clean nails and dentures in situ and one can only hope it is the general pressure of work placed on the nursing staff and not laziness which prevents them from doing so.
Wednesday, 12 October 2011
Meet some friends....
Things I cant do without....
Formaldehyde chemicals and their additives, Kalip helps keep lips together and eyes closed. The powder puffer is great for just a very light coating where needed.
Shampoo, Dry Wash removes scum from hair line and face (it also melts latex -gulp) Shave Gel, Hairspray, Foundation and powder formulated for stage but works great for my job, Blusher and glue
Ligature, eye caps gently slipped on like contact lenses help keep the eyes a natural shape. Scissors and forceps
Obviously there is a lot more kit needed to embalm, but I just thought I would share a few items I use every day
Obviously there is a lot more kit needed to embalm, but I just thought I would share a few items I use every day
Monday, 10 October 2011
A month ago...
A month ago, this person died. They had been kept in the refrigeration system at the hospital but when collected by the funeral home last week, were very hard. Not frozen, there is a difference both to the eye and touch, and biologically.
So, after three days being left in the natural air, I went in today to make the deceased ready for viewing this afternoon. Actually, as I write this funnily enough.
Rather annoyingly, there was stomach purge all over the right side of the face where their head had been left slightly on their side in the hospital mortuary fridge. These stomach contents included 'coffee grounds' Coffee-ground emesis is vomiting of dark brown, granular material that resembles coffee grounds. It results from upper GI bleeding that has slowed or stopped, with conversion of red Hb to brown hematin by gastric acid. This naturally decomposed and took the side of the face too. The results were skin slip and green discolouration.
In addition, there was a great deal of faecal matter to clean up and treatment of the resulting areas of decomp due to that.
Once cleaned, with hair washed and dried, embalming and cosmetology completed, viewing will be possible today. The lack of enough time between treatment and viewing means that they will have to present with the face slightly turned, but some cosmetology covered most of the marks. If I had had a day or two, the skin slip could have been dried out and full cosmetic treatment would have been applied and successful.
The other deceased I had to do was simple in comparison.
So, after three days being left in the natural air, I went in today to make the deceased ready for viewing this afternoon. Actually, as I write this funnily enough.
Rather annoyingly, there was stomach purge all over the right side of the face where their head had been left slightly on their side in the hospital mortuary fridge. These stomach contents included 'coffee grounds' Coffee-ground emesis is vomiting of dark brown, granular material that resembles coffee grounds. It results from upper GI bleeding that has slowed or stopped, with conversion of red Hb to brown hematin by gastric acid. This naturally decomposed and took the side of the face too. The results were skin slip and green discolouration.
In addition, there was a great deal of faecal matter to clean up and treatment of the resulting areas of decomp due to that.
Once cleaned, with hair washed and dried, embalming and cosmetology completed, viewing will be possible today. The lack of enough time between treatment and viewing means that they will have to present with the face slightly turned, but some cosmetology covered most of the marks. If I had had a day or two, the skin slip could have been dried out and full cosmetic treatment would have been applied and successful.
The other deceased I had to do was simple in comparison.
Thursday, 6 October 2011
A chilly day today
Autumn blustery days seem to have started today. Its my favourite kind of weather; sunny and windy. Slightly chilly at 12c but wrapping up and having a stomp through the woods is my idea of down time.
The weather changing makes me rethink my embalming fluid choices. Obviously, if the general temperature is colder, the rate of decomposition is slower. This means that I use a lesser amount of formaldehyde in my embalming mixture as I don't believe in using the same solution regardless. It is a waste of money and an unnecessary pollution. The lighter the fluid, the better for everyone as long as preservation is achieved.
Just one post mortem case and three 'straight' cases today. If I think really, really hard, I can remember what they looked like. I do find that their faces leave me very quickly after work. I think this is a good thing, I don't need to recall them when I'm running a bath or reading a book. There are of course, some people whose faces stay with me for a few days, and if I try, I can still recall the suicide from recent days. Fortunately, most of my work is with the over 70's and after a while old lady perms and old gentlemen balding pates merge into one.
The weather changing makes me rethink my embalming fluid choices. Obviously, if the general temperature is colder, the rate of decomposition is slower. This means that I use a lesser amount of formaldehyde in my embalming mixture as I don't believe in using the same solution regardless. It is a waste of money and an unnecessary pollution. The lighter the fluid, the better for everyone as long as preservation is achieved.
Just one post mortem case and three 'straight' cases today. If I think really, really hard, I can remember what they looked like. I do find that their faces leave me very quickly after work. I think this is a good thing, I don't need to recall them when I'm running a bath or reading a book. There are of course, some people whose faces stay with me for a few days, and if I try, I can still recall the suicide from recent days. Fortunately, most of my work is with the over 70's and after a while old lady perms and old gentlemen balding pates merge into one.
Tuesday, 4 October 2011
What a lovely spot of weather
We are having such lovely weather in the UK just now. Autumn has been postponed but I think it will be making its way to us this week.
My work today was pretty straight forward. One gentleman had had a post mortem examination and when I was re suturing his head, his scalp was very fragile and teared quite a lot. This obviously causes a worry for possible leakage following the embalming treatment. One hopes the action of the formaldehyde firms the tissues enough to prevent any bodily fluids leaking. One also hopes that coffining up doesn't take place until after then. In case of leakage I used some putty to fill, wax to cover and good hairstyling and then placed some cotton wool there so my colleagues can see if there is seepage of any kind.
Not ideal, but then its life..... (or death!) As a colleague used to say 'anyone can do the easy ones'.
My work today was pretty straight forward. One gentleman had had a post mortem examination and when I was re suturing his head, his scalp was very fragile and teared quite a lot. This obviously causes a worry for possible leakage following the embalming treatment. One hopes the action of the formaldehyde firms the tissues enough to prevent any bodily fluids leaking. One also hopes that coffining up doesn't take place until after then. In case of leakage I used some putty to fill, wax to cover and good hairstyling and then placed some cotton wool there so my colleagues can see if there is seepage of any kind.
Not ideal, but then its life..... (or death!) As a colleague used to say 'anyone can do the easy ones'.
Tuesday, 27 September 2011
Nothing left to give
Nothing left to give to the world, take from the world, feel in the world, see in the world....
Today I embalmed a young suicide. My colleagues informed me that the deceased's love life went adrift and that is what prompted the untimely demise. The post mortem was carried out and a drugs overdose was ascertained to be the chosen method.
The blotching of the skin, and redness of facial tissues were gently massaged away during my embalming injection, leaving a natural skin tone. Phew! It could have gone either way to be honest, as sometimes the post mortem staining doesn't like to move with the fluid. This means the decomposition has generally progressed to haemolysis and the staining won't be budged. Cosmetics are the only way to give a good presentation if haemolysis has occurred.
Today, a family can say their goodbye looking at their once full of life adolescent. Tragic, awful, unspeakable. Such sadness.
Today I embalmed a young suicide. My colleagues informed me that the deceased's love life went adrift and that is what prompted the untimely demise. The post mortem was carried out and a drugs overdose was ascertained to be the chosen method.
The blotching of the skin, and redness of facial tissues were gently massaged away during my embalming injection, leaving a natural skin tone. Phew! It could have gone either way to be honest, as sometimes the post mortem staining doesn't like to move with the fluid. This means the decomposition has generally progressed to haemolysis and the staining won't be budged. Cosmetics are the only way to give a good presentation if haemolysis has occurred.
Today, a family can say their goodbye looking at their once full of life adolescent. Tragic, awful, unspeakable. Such sadness.
Friday, 23 September 2011
Enucleation - eye removal
Wiki - Auto-enucleation (oedipism) and other forms of serious self inflicted eye injury are an extremely rare form of severe self-harm which usually results from serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia.[2] The name comes from Oedipus, who gouged out his eyes in penance after having sex with his mother and killing his father.
Enucleation - removal of the eyeball, but the adjacent structures of the eye socket and eyelids remain. In a deceased person, the cornea can be used for a living person who needs a corneal transplant by a surgical operation called keratoplasty.
Got to love Wikipedia eh?
So today, my gentleman had donated his eyes. I love embalming donors of any kind, merely because of their final sensible act of generosity. Embalming speaking, it has its problems, and in enucleation it is ensuring the eyes look exactly as they should. Also making sure leakage doesnt occur after the embalming treatment is complete.
Good for you Mr Man. Respect.
Enucleation - removal of the eyeball, but the adjacent structures of the eye socket and eyelids remain. In a deceased person, the cornea can be used for a living person who needs a corneal transplant by a surgical operation called keratoplasty.
Got to love Wikipedia eh?
So today, my gentleman had donated his eyes. I love embalming donors of any kind, merely because of their final sensible act of generosity. Embalming speaking, it has its problems, and in enucleation it is ensuring the eyes look exactly as they should. Also making sure leakage doesnt occur after the embalming treatment is complete.
Good for you Mr Man. Respect.
Thursday, 22 September 2011
Ooh my aching feet!
Another quite busy day today and my feet are killing me!
The theatre is a solid floor, covered with marble-like flooring, so its freezing in the colder weather and barely above freezing in the summer! This also means its really hard going on the feet when standing all day.
I had trouble from a little old lady today. She was a tiny dolly dot dot of a thing, but she took ages to inject the fluid into. I have no idea why, even now, but as her vessels were small I had to use a small tube, and then it just took aaaaaaaaaages!!
She looked lovely when I was done though and thats what counts!
The theatre is a solid floor, covered with marble-like flooring, so its freezing in the colder weather and barely above freezing in the summer! This also means its really hard going on the feet when standing all day.
I had trouble from a little old lady today. She was a tiny dolly dot dot of a thing, but she took ages to inject the fluid into. I have no idea why, even now, but as her vessels were small I had to use a small tube, and then it just took aaaaaaaaaages!!
She looked lovely when I was done though and thats what counts!
Wednesday, 21 September 2011
On Teeth
Sometimes when I have completed embalming, I hang around and help the other funeral workers to dress and 'coffin up' the deceased. Today, I did that and discovered teeth when opening the bag containing clothes.
You wouldnt think that was so bad, after all, Granny needs her dentures doesnt she? The frustrating thing about this is that her features have already been set and its one helluva task to change them. If you find a special hair band, or rollers, lipstick or nail polish, its easy enough to apply. Teeth? Not so.
I enjoyed embalming a Hindu gentleman today. It is a far more subtle job, and I didnt pack or suture the mouth as some Hindu families have a tradition of feeding rice to their loved one before washing, dressing and carrying out their death rituals. He looked so sweet, I felt very happy knowing that his loved ones will have a pleasant experience in carrying out their final tasks for him.
I also transformed an elderly lady from a dishevelled, bunched up little thing by washing and setting her hair and giving her a jolly good top to toe during the embalming treatment. This is all usual practise, but sometimes I notice it makes much more of a difference than at other times. Someone who is very poorly before they pass, may not have the strength to ensure their nails and hair are clean and embalmers can return that dignity to them.
You wouldnt think that was so bad, after all, Granny needs her dentures doesnt she? The frustrating thing about this is that her features have already been set and its one helluva task to change them. If you find a special hair band, or rollers, lipstick or nail polish, its easy enough to apply. Teeth? Not so.
I enjoyed embalming a Hindu gentleman today. It is a far more subtle job, and I didnt pack or suture the mouth as some Hindu families have a tradition of feeding rice to their loved one before washing, dressing and carrying out their death rituals. He looked so sweet, I felt very happy knowing that his loved ones will have a pleasant experience in carrying out their final tasks for him.
I also transformed an elderly lady from a dishevelled, bunched up little thing by washing and setting her hair and giving her a jolly good top to toe during the embalming treatment. This is all usual practise, but sometimes I notice it makes much more of a difference than at other times. Someone who is very poorly before they pass, may not have the strength to ensure their nails and hair are clean and embalmers can return that dignity to them.
Tuesday, 20 September 2011
Seasonal changes
Seasonal changes really affect my line of work. In between seasons we see temperature changes which seem to affect the elderly and infirm. Its sad, its someones loved one they are having to say goodbye to. We are there at their time of need and hopefully we provide a discrete and sensitive service.
Today, I embalmed five people, one of whom had had a post mortem carried out. The work involved in embalming someone who has had a post mortem is very different and requires a little more time and patience. The results of the extra effort are rewarding and ensure their loved ones get the same chance of a goodbye as those of a person who has not had a post mortem.
Today, I embalmed five people, one of whom had had a post mortem carried out. The work involved in embalming someone who has had a post mortem is very different and requires a little more time and patience. The results of the extra effort are rewarding and ensure their loved ones get the same chance of a goodbye as those of a person who has not had a post mortem.
Monday, 19 September 2011
Wet and windy
The weather is getting more and more autumnal every day. Winter will draw in fast and before you know it I will be moaning about having more work than I can fit into my working day.
I am a self employed embalmer, working for a couple of family firms, as and when they need me. Due to my family commitments, I work after school drop off and return for pick up so my working hours are limited. Sometimes, when we are at our busiest, I pop to work in the evening. Not ideal but at least it means I can be around home when needed. I consider myself very fortunate to be working for such caring family run firms that happily fit in with me, safe in the knowledge that if they need me urgently or out of hours, I will do everything I can to be there.
No work for me today. My colleagues are busy so I expect the rest of the week to pick up. We usually run side by side and know that if one Funeral Home in the area is picking up, we all shall soon enough.
I am a self employed embalmer, working for a couple of family firms, as and when they need me. Due to my family commitments, I work after school drop off and return for pick up so my working hours are limited. Sometimes, when we are at our busiest, I pop to work in the evening. Not ideal but at least it means I can be around home when needed. I consider myself very fortunate to be working for such caring family run firms that happily fit in with me, safe in the knowledge that if they need me urgently or out of hours, I will do everything I can to be there.
No work for me today. My colleagues are busy so I expect the rest of the week to pick up. We usually run side by side and know that if one Funeral Home in the area is picking up, we all shall soon enough.
Sunday, 18 September 2011
First blog post....
There are some blogs available about my kind of work. Embalming. Death. Funeral Services. So I just thought I would start one with a mind to use it as a diary. Now that I am here, I'm not really sure how to start!
Safe to say, I will be waffling on and on, not really making much sense but if you stumble across me on your journey round the net, say hi and let me know what you think....
Safe to say, I will be waffling on and on, not really making much sense but if you stumble across me on your journey round the net, say hi and let me know what you think....
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