Humectants The use of this modifying agent is to keep body tissue hydrated during the embalming process. It allows for more pliability and movement throughout the body, which can often be prohibited by the use of arterial fluids that can be drying or from dehydration caused by death. Humectants can be used as a modifying agent alone or pre-manufactured in the arterial fluid. Be sure to check MSDS before mixing fluids. Humectants are typically made with such chemicals as glycerin, sorbitol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, lanolin, silicon, and some vegetable gums. Anticoagulants Sometimes called, softeners or water conditioners , anticoagulants are used as a modifying agent added to the embalming solution to help keep blood in a liquid state. Once death occurs, circulation ceases and blood begins to thicken and clot within the beds of the capillaries. Combined with the arterial fluid and the pressure of the machine during the embalming process, this modifying agent will thin out blood and clotting making it easier for body and arterial fluid to move through the vascular system. Chapter 1 summary Natural and artificial means of embalming have been cultivated since the beginning of time. Freezing, cold or dry heat or, in the right climate, through burial in a particular type of dirt or soil was the primary methods of natural preservation. And though, mostly reserved for modern day preparation, artificial means of preservation through methods of embalming or evisceration - removing the organs - have also been used throughout early history. Modern embalming as we know it today really began with the demands for cadaver preservation in the 19th century during the American Civil War, by the founding father of Modern Embalming, Thomas Holmes. The increased ease of travel meant primarily for military officers and the amplified awareness of disease created opportunities for scientists to find ways to preserve bodies for an extended period to be buried days after they began to decompose.
The necessity of controlling water variables is essential to the use of Arterial fluids in the preservation process. Foreign particles found suspended in the water will create blockages in the capillary network. Chemicals included in these formulations include boric acid, borax, sodium salts, magnesium sulfate, sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, and sodium phosphate. Dyes Dyes are coloring agents that are used to create an internal coloring effect as part of the arterial embalming process. The use of dyes allows for a more “natural” appearance and helps to minimize the need for cosmetics. Dyes that stain the tissue in the process of creating that cosmetic effect are referred to as active dyes. Dyes that do not color the tissue, but just color the fluid in the bottle, are called inactive dyes . Active dyes are available in several shades. **Be sure to add dye slowly to your arterial fluid until you are comfortable with the product and the color.** It was at this time, that advancement in what we now know and practice as embalming and advanced embalming met its foreground. The recreation and restoration of bodies and features damaged by accident or disease is recognized as restorative art and is used in conjunction with the methods of advanced embalming. It is not a skill set that is easily achievable and the most skilled embalmers have many hours of logged practice. Advanced embalming is a special treatment rendered beyond that of a standard embalming case and requires a strong anatomical knowledge and skillset. The preparation of human remains that have perished through disease and traumatic events can have lasting effect on the lives of the families left behind. It is through the work of the embalming practitioner that families can begin to accept and grieve the loss.
CHAPTER 2: PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
Studies have indicated that the most successful funeral businesses rely on word-of-mouth recommendations and testimonials to increase brand awareness within their community. Those first-person endorsements are often the tipping point for undecided client families when the time comes to select a funeral provider- a majority of endorsements come from personal experience. In fact, branding experts estimate that word-of-mouth recommendations influence more than half of today’s purchase decisions. The preparation of deceased loved ones can have a detrimental effect on the success or failure of a funeral home firm. It is without option that the embalmer must prepare, and present human remains with not only the utmost dignity and respect, but with the skillset that would show little to no indication of disease or trauma. Throughout the remainder of this Advanced Embalming course, we will be reviewing chemical components, identifying and discussing treatment of special body Edema Edema is defined as the leakage of fluid into the tissue causing swelling and has long been one of the main causes in prohibiting proper distribution and preservation for embalmers. Identified as a symptomatic condition, edema may be associated with many diseases or from the retention
conditions that you the embalmer will inevitably experience throughout your career. Though each case and cause of death is unique you will have the tools to prepare you for the best possible results when finding yourself preparing human remains met with these predispositions and traumas. In Chapter 2 of this course we will: ● Identify 3 Common Pathological Conditions. ● Understand and practice embalming techniques focused around less common cases. ● Identify and discuss treatment for various difficult and trauma cases. The ability to observe specific conditions that relate to ante-mortem and postmortem conditions develops with experience. The three most common embalming complications that are associated with a large variety of pathological conditions are Edema, Discolorations and Dehydration.
of IV fluids during extended hospital stays. The focus of successful embalming in edema cases are based on highly effective chemical combinations that reduce swelling and that maximize the desired results.
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