EMBALMING 101 by Charredtorso



Several months ago I received a request to explain the process of embalming. I think I wrote three articles about the ancient art of embalming that someone decided to erase. So, I will give distill my 22+ years of embalming into an article or two.



The purpose of embalming, by definition is: "To preserve and disinfect human remains and restore them to a lifelike appearance." Embalming, as we know it today has no relationship to embalming as practiced by ancient Egyptians. Modern embalming really took off during the American Civil war. Families would pay embalmers to preserve their love ones killed in battle or by illness, so they could be returned home for burial



The chemicals used for embalming,



during the civil war era were very harsh and would turn bodies into rock hard discolored statues.



Over the years dyes, buffers and other chemicals modified embalming fluids for better preservation and better cosmetic appearance. With the exception of a few formaldehyde free chemicals introduced in the mid 1980's, embalming chemicals have changed very little since the 1940's. Ok,



I know most of you won't read more than 3-5 paragraphs, so I'll cut to the chase.



The following describes a "normal" embalming. We will assume that the deceased has been dead fewer than 6-12 hours and died of natural causes. First the body is undressed or unwrapped, as the case may be. The body is placed on an embalming table. The table has "gutters around the surface of the table and a hole at the foot end of the table so that water and fluids (blood) can drain into the sewer system. The remains are washed and any bandages or other items are removed from the skin surface.



After washing, the body is positioned for viewing after the procedure. Rubber or wooden "blocks" are used to position the arms and head of the deceased. During this time, the embalmer does a case assessment, to determine the type of embalming chemical to be used and the dilution of the chemicals. (Books have been written about the types of fluid to be used and dilution rate of those fluids. Rather than bore the shit out of you, we'll just keep going)

Next, after positioning the head, arms and hands of the deceased, the facial features are "set." A variety of techniques are used to close the eyes and mouth. Devices called eye caps are placed directly on the eyeballs and are secured by tiny barbs to the inner eye lid. Wired staples are injected into the jaws and wired together to close the mouth, sometimes sutures are used, along with "crazy glue."





NOW we are ready to embalm. Depending on the gender of the deceased the incision is made to inject the embalming chemicals. For men, the incision is usually made along the medial 1/3rd of the clavicle (collarbone). For women, the incision is often made in the femoral region of the groin, so that the incision isn't easily visible with low collar dresses. Once the incision is made the artery and vein are raised to the surface of the incision (Femoral artery and vein or the Carotid Artery and Jugular vein).

An embalming machine, capable of holding 2.5 gallons of embalming solution is brought into play. The solution is transferred by hose from the machine to a cannula placed in the Artery of choice. The arterial fluid is injected and an incision is made in the adjacent vein and blood in the vascular system is forced out of the body and is replaced by embalming solution and the blood "drainage" goes down the gutters on the table and into the sewer system. Once most (80%) of the blood is replaced and any discoloration has been cleared or reduced, the procedure is complete. The incision is closed (after being tied off) and the body is washed to remove any blood or chemicals on the body surface.



All of this can go out the window if there are complications. Autopsies, trauma, diseases, decomposition can all effect the embalming.



If there are any questions about the above or something I haven't covered that you are interested in, let me know. If there is further interest, I can go into muc