Tips from a Mortician: Making Bodies Look Presentable and Handling Severe Injuries
Summary
In this article, we will share tips from a mortician on how to make a body look more presentable in a casket, how they handle severe injuries, and why dead bodies float and smell bad. We will also answer questions on whether someone can watch an embalming and whether hair and nails continue to grow after death.
Table of Contents
- Making Bodies Look Presentable
- Handling Severe Injuries
- Why Do Dead Bodies Float and Smell Bad?
- Watching an Embalming
- Do Hair and Nails Continue to Grow After Death?
- Preserving Tattoos After Death
- Handling Bodies of People Who Died from Coronavirus
Making Bodies Look Presentable
As a mortician, one of the most important aspects of our job is to make the deceased look presentable for their family and friends. We use a variety of techniques to achieve this, including applying makeup and dressing the body appropriately. We also use positioning techniques to give the appearance of a natural sleeping position.
Handling Severe Injuries
In cases where the deceased has severe injuries, such as from a car accident, we use special techniques to make them look presentable. We may use wax or other materials to fill in gaps or missing parts of the body. We also use makeup to cover any visible injuries or bruises.
Why Do Dead Bodies Float and Smell Bad?
Dead bodies float due to the buildup of gas inside the body. This gas is produced by bacteria that break down the body’s tissues. The smell comes from the same process, as the bacteria produce a variety of gases that give off a foul odor.
Watching an Embalming
While it is technically possible for someone to watch an embalming, it is not something that we typically allow. Embalming is a delicate process that requires a great deal of focus and attention to detail. Additionally, it can be a traumatic experience for family members to witness.
Do Hair and Nails Continue to Grow After Death?
Contrary to popular belief, hair and nails do not continue to grow after death. Instead, the skin around them dries out and recedes, giving the appearance of growth.
Preserving Tattoos After Death
There are companies that specialize in preserving tattoos after death and sending them to loved ones. These companies use a process that involves removing the top layer of skin with the tattoo and preserving it before sending it back to the family.
Handling Bodies of People Who Died from Coronavirus
In the case of bodies of people who died from coronavirus, we follow strict safety protocols. We wear personal protective equipment, including a plastic shroud to contain any expulsion from the lungs. While embalming is still possible, it is important to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of everyone involved. We may also limit the viewing of the body to reduce the risk of transmission.
Conclusion
As a mortician, our job is to ensure that the deceased are treated with dignity and respect. We use a variety of techniques to make them look presentable and handle severe injuries with care. While death is never an easy topic to discuss, we hope that this article has shed some light on the important work that we do.
