What is Embalming?
Embalming is the temporary preservation of human remains which involves the use of chemicals in order to delay decomposition. It combines both science and art.
The 3 goals of embalming are sanitation, presentation, and preservation, with reconstruction being an important additional factor in some instances.
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Sanitation involves disinfecting the body and reducing the level of pathogens and bacteria that may be present on the external and internal surface. This reduces the risk of decomposition and odour, and therefore benefits the bereaved, the staff and general public.
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A natural, pre-mortem appearance should always try to be achieved for the benefit of the bereaved, especially when respects are taking place.
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The tissues of the deceased are temporarily preserved in order to delay the onset of decomposition.
What are the Benefits?
Many people who choose to have a loved one embalmed do so in order to spend a little more time with them. If loved ones are paying respects, the deceased is usually laid out in an open coffin at home or in the funeral parlour.
Embalming controls odours that all bodies will eventually produce. It gives the bereaved and funeral parlour staff peace of mind that this will be removed or reduced, and gives the deceased the dignity they deserve, e.g. odours can escape from any orifice and will only continue to worsen. Embalming temporarily removes foul-smelling gases and body fluids responsible for these odours.
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People can look very different after death. Tissues begin to lose their shape which in turn can make the eyes, mouth, nose and hands appear sunken. The embalming process can help restore the appearance of the deceased, giving an impression of peaceful sleep and wellness which cannot always be achieved by preparation alone.
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Jaundiced cases can often be problematic due to the change in internal pH, medication and overall colour of the deceased. They can often decompose quicker and have ascitic fluid which causes abdominal distension, and can lead to purge. Embalming can often counterstain the pigments found in jaundiced cases (caused by bilirubin) and of course, the excess fluids are removed.
In extreme cases, cosmetics are required to restore a natural appearance.
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Embalming allows the deceased to be viewed for a longer period of time, especially in situations where they are going home. It allows peace of mind that the decomposition is vastly slowed down, and viewings can last days, and often weeks.
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Embalming can also bring closure for families who lost a loved one in traumatic circumstances and did not get the chance to say goodbye before they died. Often in cases like these, there may be injuries or wounds which would require specialist attention and reconstruction post-embalming.
About the Embalmer
I studied Pharmacology at Glasgow Caledonian University from 2009-2013 as I had an interest in medicine and pharmaceuticals. I began my career with the NHS in 2013 in Pharmacy. I moved into Diagnostic Pathology, still within the NHS, from 2014-2018 where I studied Biomedical Science and it was during this time my passion for anatomy and pathology developed. I started Embalming in 2016 out of hours, completed the William Purves course in 2017, and joined the BIE in 2019 as a student, becoming an associate member in 2022.
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In 2018 I became a full time Embalmer after leaving the NHS. I have embalmed and prepared in excess of 10,000 deceased including a multitude of challenging cases such as deceased who have undergone a post mortem examination and required major reconstruction due to the nature of their death e.g. murder, suicide, water-related and also badly decomposed cases. I have plenty of experience in 'long-term' embalmings i.e. post mortem cases who were required to go home for several days; repatriations, and deceased who required embalming due to the length of time between arrangement and funeral.
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As an Embalmer I ensure deceased are embalmed to an exceptionally high standard each and every time, and spend all the time required on the final presentation. I use the best quality chemicals and change my fluids depending on my assessment of the deceased.
Amy Young | BSc, FdSc, BIE (Assoc.)