Week 4-Pre Embalming Preparation

BODY PREPARATION-THE
PRE-EMBALMING STAGE

​Embalming Theory Week 4

Embalming Analysis (Case Analysis)
The assessment and attention given to the body before, during, and after the embalming procedure. Documentation is strongly recommended.

Purpose:

• Ensure respectful, thorough, and compliant care throughout the embalming process.

Preparation of the Body

Key Stages:

1. Pre-Embalming Considerations – Evaluation and preparation before the procedure.

2. Embalming Considerations – Techniques, precautions, and adjustments during the procedure.

3. Post-Embalming Considerations – Final inspection, restorative work, and follow-up documentation.

Preparation of the Body

• Embalming analysis (Case analysis):

  • This is a Continuous Process

    • Observation

    • Evaluation

    • Implementation

    • Results
      

Preparation of the Body

• Pre-embalming considerations

  • Condition of the Deceased:

    • Assess the cause of death (e.g., trauma, disease, decomposition, edema).

    • Determine the presence of infectious diseases or hazardous conditions.

    • Evaluate rigor mortis, livor mortis, and postmortem changes.

Embalming analysis (Case analysis):

Preparation of the Body

• Pre-embalming considerations

  • Legal and Ethical Considerations:

    • Verify identity and ensure all required authorizations are obtained.

    • Confirm any special requests from the family (e.g., religious, cultural, or cosmetic preferences)

  • Body Features:

    • Check for wounds, fractures, or surgical incisions.

    • Evaluate skin conditions such as discoloration, lesions, or dehydration.

Embalming analysis (Case analysis):

Preparation of the Body

• Pre-embalming considerations

  • Preparation of Embalming Solutions:

    • Decide on the strength, volume, and type of fluids based on the body's condition.

    • Select suitable chemicals for restoration, disinfection, and preservation.

  • Equipment and Environment:

    • Ensure all equipment is sanitized and functioning correctly.

    • Maintain a clean and safe work environment for personal protection.

Embalming analysis (Case analysis):

Preparation of the Body

• Embalming considerations

  • Injection and Distribution:

    • Select the most appropriate injection site (e.g., carotid artery, femoral artery).

    • Monitor the distribution and diffusion of embalming fluids throughout the body.

  • Venous Drainage:

    • Choose an effective drainage site to remove blood and bodily fluids.

    • Address complications like blockages or poor drainage.

Embalming analysis (Case analysis):

Preparation of the Body

• Embalming considerations

  • Tissue Firmness and Preservation:

    • Adjust fluid strength and pressure for tissues that are delicate or highly decomposed.

    • Observe the response of tissues to the embalming fluids.

  • Special Treatments:

    • Handle specific cases, such as autopsied bodies or severe trauma, with tailored techniques.

    • Address swelling or distension caused by fluid imbalances.

Embalming analysis (Case analysis):

Preparation of the Body

• Embalming considerations

  • Restorative Procedures:

    • Correct facial features and body alignment.

    • Treat discoloration, injuries, or deformities using restorative art.

Embalming analysis (Case analysis):

Preparation of the Body

• Final Appearance:

  • Ensure the body’s appearance meets family expectations (e.g., natural coloring, proper positioning).

  • Apply cosmetics and dress the body as per requests.

• Leakage Control:

  • Inspect and address any fluid leakage from incisions or other areas.

  • Use sealing powders or adhesives as needed.

Embalming analysis (Case analysis):

Preparation of the Body

• Environmental Safety:

  • Properly dispose of contaminated materials and ensure the workspace is cleaned and disinfected.

• Documentation:

  • Record all embalming procedures and chemicals used in a case report.

  • Note any abnormalities or challenges faced during the process.

Embalming analysis (Case analysis):

Preparation of the Body

• Intrinsic factors

  • Cause and manner of death

    • Cause refers to the specific disease, injury, condition, or set of circumstances that directly leads to a person's death. It identifies the physiological event or medical issue responsible for the cessation of life.

Variable factors encountered:

Preparation of the Body

• Intrinsic factors

  • Cause and manner of death

    • Manner refers to the classification of the circumstances under which a death occurred, providing a broad context for the cause of death. It describes how the death came about and is generally categorized into one of five classifications:

      • Natural, Accidental, Suicide, Homicide, Undetermined

Variable factors encountered:

Preparation of the Body

• Body conditions

  • Pathological conditions

    • See Charts of Pages 153 &154

  • Microbial influence

  • Moisture

    • Loss of Moisture

    • Refrigeration

Variable factors encountered:

Preparation of the Body

• Thermal influences

• Nitrogenous waste products

  • Kidney and liver failure

  • Lessons the affects of Formaldehyde

• Weight

• Gas in tissues or cavity

• Presence or absence of discolorations

• Postmortem physical Changes( see Charts on pg 155)

  • Algor Mortis

  • Rigor Mortis

  • Lividity

  • Dehydration

  • Desiccation

Variable factors encountered:

Preparation of the Body

• and chemical changes

  • Autolysis

  • Putrefaction

  • Acidification

  • Adipocere Formation

    • saponification

• Effects of pharmaceutical agents

  • Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin, Heparin):

    • Prevent blood clotting, leading to increased drainage but may cause excessive postmortem lividity and leakage

  • Chemotherapy Drugs:

    • Accelerate decomposition due to their toxic effects on tissues and cells and damaged tissues, making embalming and restoration difficult..

Variable factors encountered:

Preparation of the Body

• Effects of pharmaceutical agents

  • Steroids (e.g., Prednisone):

    • Thin the skin and tissues, causing fragility and May interfere with fluid absorption and distribution.

  • Antibiotics:

    • Can slow decomposition by inhibiting bacterial activity temporarily and Tissue may retain an unusual appearance due to prolonged illness.

Variable factors encountered:

Preparation of the Body

• Effects of pharmaceutical agents

  • Diuretics:

    • Cause severe dehydration, leading to desiccated tissues.

    • Higher volumes of fluid may be necessary to rehydrate and preserve tissues effectively.

  • Opioids (e.g., Morphine, Fentanyl):

    • May lead to rapid tissue breakdown if the person was bedridden or in poor health.

    • Potential for uneven distribution of embalming fluids due to poor circulation prior to death.

Variable factors encountered:

Preparation of the Body

• Effects of pharmaceutical agents

  • Beta-Blockers and Heart Medications:

    • Prolonged use can result in hardening of arteries, complicating arterial injection.

    • Potentially increases vascular resistance, requiring higher pressure for fluid distribution.

Variable factors encountered:

Preparation of the Body

• Illegal drugs

  • Cocaine:

    • Causes vasoconstriction, leading to poor distribution of embalming fluid and

      May result in localized tissue necrosis or damage.

  • Methamphetamine:

    • Leads to dehydration and emaciation, making tissue restoration challenging.

    • Accelerates decomposition due to its systemic toxic effects.

Variable factors encountered:

Preparation of the Body

• Illegal drugs and Recreational Substances:

  • Heroin:

    • Causes poor vascular integrity, leading to challenges with fluid injection and leakage.

    • Can cause discoloration, requiring special cosmetic treatment.

  • Marijuana:

    • Minimal direct effects, but long-term use may influence vascular health and tissue texture.

Variable factors encountered:

Preparation of the Body

• Illegal drugs and Recreational Substances:

  • Synthetic Drugs (e.g., Fentanyl, K2/Spice):

    • Potent effects on the body's chemistry, potentially causing rapid tissue degradation.

  • Alcohol:

    • Chronic use causes liver damage and jaundice, leading to discoloration.

    • Dehydration is common, necessitating additional moisture-restorative measures.

Variable factors encountered:

Preparation of the Body

• Extrinsic factors

  • Environmental

  • Atmospheric conditions

  • Thermal influences

  • Microbial influences

  • Vermin

Variable factors encountered:

Preparation of the Body

• Time intervals

  • Time between death and preparation

  • Time between preparation and disposition

• The Embalmer

Variable factors encountered:

Preparation of the Body

• Verify identification

• Primary disinfection

• Remove and record all clothing and personal effects.

• Disinfection of clothing when necessary

• Remove medical dressings and devices

• Bathe and perform external disinfection

Initial treatment of the body :

Preparation of the Body

Remove Medical Dressings

Carefully take off any dressings,

and medical devices such as

pacemekers, nasal canulas, IVs,

Foley catheters, etc. .

Bathe the Deceased

Perform a thorough wash to

eliminate surface debris: bathe

the body with soap and water,

wash hair with shampoo and

conditioner.

External Disinfection

Use antiseptics to disinfect skin

areas before procedures.-Dis-

spray

Ensure Thorough Cleanliness

Confirm all areas are clean to

support safe procedures.

1

2

3

4

DISINFECTION AND

CLEANING

Essential Steps for Effective Body

Preparation

CLEANING PROCEDURES

• Alignment on the table

• Elevation of head

• Tilting of head Placement of hands

  • Hands left over right

  • Tilt head to viewing side

Position of the body (prior to embalming - order optional) :

Preparation of the Body

• Positioning of upper extremities

• Elevation of shoulders

• Use of positioning devices

Alignment on the table

Proper alignment ensure

desired outcome once the

tisses have fixed post-

embalming

Elevation and tilting of the
head

Adjusting head position

prepares the head for proper

shape when the body is

placeed in the casket and the

head is placed on the pillow,

and the head is slightly tilted

15 degrees towards the right,

or viewing side. .

Placement of hands and upper
extremities

Correct placement of the

hands is both hand resting on

the abdomin, one hand on

top of the other.

Elevation of shoulders and use
of positioning devices

rolled towels and positioning

blocks may be useful for

bodies that are disfigured pr

appear in an unnatural

POSITIONING THE BODY

BODY POSITIONING STRATEGIES

Shaving Techniques

Always shave pre-embalming to avoid rasor burn.

Massage Cream Application

Using massage cream after shaving will prevent rasor burn and

dehydration after embalming.

Mouth Closure Techniques

Relieve rigor mortis , Disinfect and cleanse oral and nasal

cavities, Remove, cleanse and disinfect dentures,

Eye Closure

Coordinating closures enhances the overall aesthetic of the pose.

Use eye caps and/or cotton.

Take Measurements

Oversized caskets are 27-32 inches in width and 79-84 inches in

length.

POSING FEATURES

Enhancing Appearance Through

Preparation Techniques

PREPARATION TECHNIQUES

• Shaving

• Apply massage cream/oil

• Mouth closure

  • Precautions

Posing features (order optional) :

Preparation of the Body

• Procedure

  • Relieve rigor mortis

  • Disinfect and cleanse oral and nasal cavities

  • Remove, cleanse and disinfect dentures

  • Observe normal bite

• Natural teeth

• Dentures

• Mouth formers

Posing features (order optional) :

Preparation of the Body

• Secure mandible

  • Needle injector

  • Musculature suture

  • Mandibular suture

Posing features (order optional) :

Preparation of the Body

• Sublingual suture

• Wire through bone

• Dental tie

• Lip closure

  • Creams

  • Wet cotton strips

  • Adhesives

  • Subcutaneous suture

  • Prognathism treatments

Posing features (order optional) :

Preparation of the Body

• Eye closure

  • Procedure

  • Manipulation of the eyelids

  • Use of cream under the lid

Posing features (order optional) :

Preparation of the Body

• Placement of eyecaps or cotton

• Location of line of closure

• Proper alignment

• Special considerations

  • Sunken eyes

  • Eye enucleation restoration

  • Corneal removal

Posing features (order optional) :

Preparation of the Body

• • Corneal removal

Posing features (order optional) :

Preparation of the Body