Embalming Blog 8 Part 5 of 6 "Balancing Compassion and Professionalism: Navigating the Challenges of Being an Irish Undertaker"

Embalming Blog 8 Part 5 of 6 "

As an Irish undertaker, the sacred duty of preparing a wake with an open coffin holds immense importance. This tradition, deeply rooted in our culture, allows families to honor and bid farewell to their loved ones in a meaningful and personal way.

In the solemn room filled with sorrow, where grief hangs heavy in the air, I find yourself standing before a family already burdened by loss. Their eyes search yours, seeking solace and answers, yearning for a final glimpse of their departed loved one. The open coffin, surrounded by flowers and candles, becomes a focal point of remembrance and closure.

Choosing each word with care, you explain the significance of the wake and the open coffin. It is a time for family and friends to come together, to share memories, to offer prayers, and to pay their respects. The sight of their loved one, peaceful and dignified, evokes emotions of love, gratitude, and sorrow.

Despite the challenges and limitations that may arise, you strive to ensure that the wake and open coffin are carried out with the utmost respect and reverence. The tradition lives on through your guidance, honoring the memory of the departed and providing solace to those left behind.

In the midst of grief and loss, the open coffin at the wake serves as a beacon of light, a symbol of love and remembrance that guides the way toward healing and closure. As an Irish undertaker, you embrace this sacred tradition with humility and grace, knowing that each moment spent in the presence of the departed is a tribute to a life well-lived and deeply cherished.

Being an Irish undertaker presents unique challenges, particularly when having to explain to grieving families that embalming or reconstruction may not be feasible. Balancing professionalism and compassion in these situations is a delicate task that weighs heavily on your shoulders.

In the somber atmosphere of a room filled with grief, you stand before a family already shattered by loss. Their eyes plead for comfort, answers, and a flicker of hope. Yet, there are times when hope seems distant, and the harsh truth must be acknowledged.

As an Irish undertaker, I carefully consider the option of embalming following a tragic accident. Just like an artist selecting colors for a painting, I gently explain to grieving families why embalming may not be possible in their situation. These factors play a crucial role in the decision-making process, as I can see the pain etched on their faces and feel deep empathy for their suffering.

Sometimes, the severity of injuries or decomposition makes reconstruction impossible, leaving their loved one unrecognizable. The thought of a closed coffin solidifies the finality of their loss, shutting off their last moments with the departed. I stand by in support, witnessing their grief as a silent companion in their sorrow.

As an undertaker, I carry the burden of their sadness and offer comfort and guidance during their darkest hours. Though I cannot mend their broken hearts, I promise to honor their loved one with respect, creating a farewell that pays tribute to their memory.

As an Irish undertaker, I am entrusted with a sacred duty to guide families through the difficult process of saying goodbye to their loved ones. With every funeral arrangement, I carefully consider the unique circumstances of each situation and delicately navigate the sensitive topic of embalming.

Just as an artist selects specific hues to convey a particular emotion in a painting, I choose my words with care when discussing the possibility of embalming following a tragic accident. I understand the gravity of the decision and the impact it can have on the grieving family members.

When faced with situations where embalming may not be possible, such as severe injuries or advanced decomposition, I must delicately explain the limitations and offer alternative options. The heart-wrenching emotions that wash over the faces of the bereaved are tangible, and my own heart aches with empathy for their pain.

The inability to reconstruct the appearance of their loved one can be a devastating blow, and the necessity of a closed coffin can serve as a stark reminder of the finality of death. In these moments, I stand as a silent witness to their grief, offering a compassionate presence and a steady hand to guide them through their sorrow.

Despite the inability to erase their sorrow or mend their broken hearts, I make a solemn vow to honor the memory of their loved one with dignity and respect. I craft a farewell that serves as a beautiful tribute to the life that was lost, providing a sense of closure and peace for those left behind. In my role as an undertaker, I carry the weight of their sorrow with me, offering solace and support as they navigate the difficult journey of grieving and healing.

In some cases, embalming may not be achievable due to various factors such as legal constraints, rapid decay, autopsies, cultural practices, or advanced decomposition. Understanding these limitations and navigating them with compassion is vital in ensuring a funeral experience that respects the family's traditions and sensitivities.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post and for sharing your thoughts and feedback. I'm glad you found it useful and informative. Your likes, shares and comments help me reach more people and inspire me to write more. I appreciate your support and engagement.

WJ’ O’Donnell

Stay tuned for our next segment, where we will delve into alternative options to embalming, exploring the intricate nuances of funeral preparations as an Irish undertaker.

Life as an Irish Undertaker Blog 8 - Part 2 of 6: Preservation Through Embalming

Part 2 of 6: Embalming

The Art of Embalming: A Personal Journey as an Irish Undertaker

In part 1 of blog 8, I embarked on a journey into the intricate world of embalming, a subject that, for much of my life as an Irish undertaker, was seldom discussed. Despite this, the results of embalming have always been the most important part of my job. Today, I invite you to join me as I continue our exploration by focusing on a crucial aspect of this profession: preservation through embalming. Together, we will delve into the art and science behind this practice and its significance in the context of funeral ceremonies.

From the moment we receive the first call for our services, the planning for this process begins. It’s a journey that starts with collecting the deceased with utmost care and compassion, understanding the emotional weight of this task. Preparing the embalming room is a critical step in this process, ensuring a serene and respectful environment for the deceased.

At WJ O'Donnell & Sons Funeral Directors, we transport the deceased using a private ambulance. This specially converted vehicle allows for respectful and discreet transportation from the place of death to our premises. The use of a private ambulance helps maintain anonymity and is less conspicuous than a traditional hearse.

Upon arrival at the funeral home, we begin the hygienic treatment, ensuring the body is cleaned and prepared according to strict sanitary standards. The actual embalming process involves the use of a carefully selected combination of embalming fluids. These fluids serve to retard the decomposition process, maintain a natural appearance, and prevent the spread of bacteria. As a skilled embalmer, I employ my expertise and understanding of the embalming process to carry out this delicate procedure.

The embalming process is an essential element of our responsibilities as undertakers, as it allows us to honor the deceased and provide comfort to grieving loved ones during the wake and funeral services. Through meticulous attention to detail, trained professionals undertake the embalming process, which includes collecting the deceased, hygienic treatment, and the application of embalming fluids.

Dressing the deceased is a significant aspect of the embalming process, and we take great care in selecting appropriate clothing that reflects the individual's personal style or cultural customs. In cases where women are involved, my wife, Betty, uses her expertise to ensure they are respectfully dressed.

Additionally, cosmetics may be applied to enhance the natural features of the deceased if desired by the family. It is important to note that this step is entirely optional, and the decision is made in consultation with the family to ensure their wishes and preferences are respected.

It’s a funeral practice that’s been carried out for thousands of years in one form or another. Its modern form began in the early 20th century in the UK and Ireland, when it was sometimes also called ‘hygienic treatment’.

In some parts of the world, extreme embalming has seen people temporarily preserved and posed and photographed with family members. However some religious funerals, including Jewish funerals and Muslim funerals, prohibit embalming.

Why are bodies embalmed?

Many people who choose to have a loved one embalmed, do so in order to spend a little more time with them. The person may be laid out in an open coffin at home, in a church or in a funeral home’s chapel of rest.

People can look very different after death. The embalming process can help restore the person’s appearance, giving an impression of peaceful sleep and wellness. This can be a great comfort for grieving families, especially if they lost a loved one to an illness.

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. There are specialist embalmers that perform post-mortem surgery upon people who suffered devastating injuries in fatal accidents.

Many funeral directors have the skills to carry out embalming, or can arrange for an embalmer to do so at your chosen funeral home.

What does embalming do to a body?

Embalming temporarily delays the first stages of decomposition, which begin to break down our body tissues from the moment that we die. It can also seem to restore our physical appearance.

The embalming process involves draining and replacing body fluids that are no longer circulating around the body, with a mixture of preserving chemicals.

Embalming solutions are commonly a mixture of chemicals including formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, methanol, ethanol and phenol, as well as water and colourants that reduce pallor and restore the appearance of the skin.

Are your organs removed when you are embalmed?

Although the Ancient Egyptians removed and preserved vital organs during embalming, this is not the case today.

Unless the person who died was an organ donor, they will be embalmed with their organs inside their body.

When someone has a post-mortem to identify their cause of death, the organs are removed and weighed. They are replaced inside the body cavity before it leaves the mortuary.

What is the process of embalming a body?

There are two main types of embalming: arterial embalming and cavity embalming. The process usually takes between two and four hours.

– What is arterial embalming? Arterial embalming sees the blood removed via the veins and replaced with embalming fluids via the arteries. Tubes are inserted into the body and attached to a machine, which pumps the embalming fluid in through the jugular vein in the neck or femoral vein in the leg, causing the natural body fluids to be circulated around the body. These are drained via a tube that’s inserted in the femoral artery, or the carotid artery in the neck.

– Cavity embalming sees the natural fluids inside the chest and abdomen removed. A tube is inserted via a small incision and te fluids are removed with a suction machine. These fluids are then replaced by embalming solution and the small incision is closed.

More about the embalming process

Before a body is embalmed, it is carefully washed and then washed again after the procedure. During embalming it is massaged, to help work the preserving fluids through the body.

When a person's body is prepared, their genitals are kept covered, to protect their dignity.

The person’s facial features are set by the embalmer into a natural expression. The jaw is sutured with invisible stitches to keep it in place, while caps placed under the eyelids help keep them closed.

Then the person who has died will be carefully groomed and dressed.

Cosmetics are used to enhance a natural appearance and are formulated to be used by funeral directors in their care of the deceased.

Photos are often used as a guide to ensure the person’s hair and makeup are just right.

Embalming benefits

Embalming can’t always guarantee that the person will look exactly as they were when they were alive, but people are often taken aback at how ‘well’ their loved one looks.

Although death can make someone seem changed no matter how expert the embalming skills are, for many people, it’s a comfort that brings them closure.

Post-mortem surgery, for instance, is a highly expert reconstructive embalming skill, carried out following traumatic deaths such as road accidents.

In cases when it would otherwise be too distressing to view – or perhaps even recognise – a loved one due to their injuries, top embalmers work to reconstruct the features of the person who has died. Although it’s not always possible to completely disguise a disfigurement, it provides families with the comfort of being able to say goodbye.

Embalming also gives people an opportunity to allow for more time with their loved one before the funeral. They might want to bring them to lie at home, or visit them in a chapel of rest. It can afford family members from further away time to get to where they need to be, to pay their respects.

Can a body be viewed without being embalmed?

Yes, a body can be viewed without embalming. Embalming is simply one of many funeral options to choose when someone dies.

If you do not opt for embalming, the we can prepare your loved one’s body for a viewing before their funeral following many of the same steps – washing the person’s body, setting their features, brushing their hair and dressing them. The person’s body will be kept refrigerated in between viewings.

How long can you keep a body at home?

A body that has not been embalmed will begin to undergo the natural processes that happen after death, sooner.

It is usual for someone to be embalmed before they are brought home for an open coffin viewing or a wake, although this is not always the case.

In circumstances where a person has not been embalmed and is brought home for an open or closed coffin wake, the funeral is generally held within a few days of the death and the room is kept very cool.

Bringing a baby who has died home

The Cuddlecot is an insulated crib that allows bereaved parents to bring babies who are stillborn or died in infancy, home for a few hours, or even days.

Many hospitals are beginning to provide these, to enable families to spend precious time with their babies, without the need for embalming.

How long does it take an embalmed body to decompose?

While they are not on view in an open coffin, embalmed bodies are usually kept in a refrigerated space, or a very cool room. In theory, the time it takes for an embalmed body to fully decompose can be many years, depending on the environment.

Bodies that are donated for medical research are embalmed and are generally kept for at least a couple of years, before the donor’s body is cremated.

In the right conditions embalming fluids can preserve a body indefinitely, but burial, moisture or humid conditions attract bacteria to form and begin the process of decay. If you're considering choosing one, our extensive guide to burials will be a very useful resource.

Whether a body is embalmed, extreme-embalmed or not embalmed, it needs to be kept cool in between viewings and until the burial or cremation takes place.

The Ancient Egyptian embalming method differed from today’s methods. It primarily involved the use of natron salts to totally dehydrate the body. This was then wrapped in resin-coated linen strips, to prevent any moisture in the air from causing decomposition. Mummies in museums today are displayed in cases with the humidity strictly controlled.

It can take between eight and twelve years for an unembalmed body buried six feet down, to decompose to a skeleton. This can vary – or take longer– depending on the climate, moisture in the soil and the kind of coffin they were buried in.

An embalmed body may take a little longer to decompose when it is buried, but embalming cannot prevent the process from happening indefinitely. Concrete-lined graves or burial vaults may also slow the process, but nature will take its course.

Can an embalmed body be cremated?

Yes, an embalmed body can be cremated. The embalming process is carried out to bring comfort to families who wish to spend time with their loved one before a funeral, regardless of the type of committal they choose. For more information on this choice as a whole, our extensive guide to cremations is an excellent place to start.

Embalming laws and regulations

Is it a law that you have to be embalmed? In most cases, no. In fact, embalming is forbidden in law, if the person died from a notifiable infectious disease.

One exception is if the person was overseas when they died and their body is being repatriated back to the UK – or their home country – for their funeral. It’s necessary for a body to be embalmed before it is sent overseas. Some people choose instead for their loved one to be cremated in the country where they died and bring their ashes home for the funeral.

The British Institute of Embalmers’ code of conduct states that bereaved families should be fully informed and give consent (ideally in writing) before embalming goes ahead. You should never feel pressured to choose embalming.

Embalming is prohibited for green funerals at natural burial grounds, to prevent embalming fluid leaching into the soil.

Embalming is also prohibited by some religious faiths, including Judaism and Islam, unless required by law.

Ultimately, the embalming process aims to temporarily preserve the deceased's dignity and provide solace to grieving loved ones during the wake and funeral services. At WJ O'Donnell and Son's, we consider it a privilege to carry out this important task and approach it with the utmost professionalism and reverence.

I hope this blog has provided you with a deeper insight into the process of embalming. It’s a complex and fascinating subject that often goes unnoticed. We encourage you to ask questions, engage in discussions, and share this blog with others who might be interested. Your interaction not only helps us grow, but also expands the conversation around this intriguing topic. Remember, knowledge is power, and by sharing it, we can all learn and grow together. Thank you for reading, and don’t forget to like and share!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is based on general practices and may vary in different regions. It is always recommended to consult a qualified professional for specific advice or guidance pertaining to individual circumstances.

Life as an Irish Undertaker: A Journey Through Time - Part 1 of 6: Embalming

Life as an Irish Undertaker: A Journey Through Time - Part 1 of 6: Embalming

Introduction.

Forty years ago,

I embarked on a journey that would not only become my profession but also a significant part of my life. I became an undertaker in the north of Ireland, a role steeped in tradition and community service. This series of blog posts will take you through my experiences and the evolution of the undertaking profession in Ireland, and the introduction of embalming

The Advent of Embalming in Ireland

When I embarked on my journey as an undertaker nearly four decades ago in 1986, the practice of embalming had only been a part of Irish tradition for about ten years. Prior to its introduction, there was no such service available. The duty of preparing the departed for their final voyage was usually taken up by a member of the local community, often the publican. This individual would “undertake” the task of washing the deceased and laying them out with dignity in a coffin or on a bed, marking the commencement of the wake. This is how the term “undertaker” came into use in Ireland.

The introduction of embalming brought about a significant change in the way we cared for the deceased. In my first 25 years as an undertaker, I would be called to the house where the person had passed away, and the embalming would be carried out there. This practice was in line with the strong Irish tradition that the family’s loved one didn’t leave the house until the funeral, usually two days later.

If the person had passed away in a hospital, the embalming was carried out in the hospital mortuary. After the process, the body would be taken from the hospital mortuary chapel to the family home.

The exact year when embalming started in Ireland is not clearly documented. However, the practice of embalming, in its modern form, began in the early 20th century in the UK. It’s likely that around the same time, it would have been introduced to Ireland as well, given the close geographical and cultural ties between the two countries.

The Intricacies of Embalming

Embalming is a physically invasive process, with special devices implanted and chemicals used to give an appearance of restful repose. The normal waxy-white color of a dead body is replaced with a more life-like tone by the use of dyes in the embalming fluid.

After death, the human body undergoes many changes, one of them being rigor mortis. This is a chemical process where the muscles and limbs stiffen, causing the body to turn rigid. In order to relieve the rigidity and to help the flow of embalming solution into the body, the embalmer gives the body a massage.

Superglue and wires are used to keep the eyelids and mouth closed, in the early days it might’ve been a book or a bandage tied around the head and knotted at the chin!! We’ve seen those unglam images of people sleeping with their mouths open and slack – This is where superglue comes in handy – to fix the expression of the deceased so that they can look like they are naturally sleeping. But when superglue is not enough, jaws might be wired in place and mouths may be stitched closed.

Pacemakers must be removed from the body before cremation as they can explode and cause serious damage to the equipment and the staff working there. Fun fact: Pacemakers can be recycled to help another patient after they are removed from the decedent!!.

Any orifices that might leak are plugged with cotton. As the body’s muscles all relax, so does the sphincter, a muscle that keeps all the…stuff…inside our bladder and rectum. To preserve dignity, maintain hygiene, and prevent unpleasant smells from wafting during the wake, cotton or anal/vaginal (A/V) plugs are used to prevent any leakage from the body.

Eye caps are placed under the eyelids to keep them closed. Nope, your eyes don’t close naturally in death. In fact, for many people, they remain partially open due to muscle relaxation.

Embalming was required for several reasons:

1. Preservation: Embalming is the art and science of preserving human remains by treating them with chemicals to forestall decomposition. This is usually done to make the deceased suitable for viewing as part of the funeral ceremony or keep them preserved for medical purposes in an anatomical laboratory.

2. Sanitization: One of the goals of embalming is sanitization. It helps in preventing the spread of diseases.

3. Presentation and Restoration: Embalming can help restore the person’s appearance, giving an impression of peaceful sleep and wellness. This can be a great comfort for grieving families, especially if they lost a loved one to an illness.

4. Tradition: In Ireland, it was a strong tradition that the family’s loved one didn’t leave the house until the funeral. Embalming allowed the body to be preserved during this period.

5. Legal Requirement: In some cases, all bodies must be preserved prior to burial. If a body had to wait for a period beyond 24 to 48 hours for burial and there was no refrigeration option, embalming is required.

It’s important to note that the practice and requirements for embalming can vary based on cultural, religious, and personal preferences, as well as local regulations. Stay tuned for the next part of this series where we will explore further changes and challenges that came with the evolution of the undertaking profession in Ireland.

The Early Days

Reflecting on the traditions of Ireland 50 years ago, it was common for the deceased to be laid out on their own bed during the wake. This allowed family and friends to gather and pay their respects in a familiar and intimate setting. The coffin, in these instances, wasn’t introduced until the morning of the funeral, just in time for the burial. This practice underscored the personal nature of the farewell and served as a poignant reminder of the diverse ways in which we honour and remember our loved ones. It’s a tradition that speaks volumes about the depth and variety of our cultural expressions of grief and remembrance, this practice still take place!!!

The traditional practice of laying the deceased on their own bed during the wake faced challenges, especially in the absence of embalming. Without embalming, decomposition would naturally occur, posing difficulties for grieving loved ones. Families had to delicately manage the body's decomposition, seeking ways to maintain the remains and uphold a respectful environment throughout the gathering, even if the wake lasted several days.

To combat decomposition, families employed various methods. Some relied on cooling the room or using ice packs to slow down the process. Others utilized herbs and flowers to mask potential odors. Despite the challenges, the practice of placing the deceased on their own bed during the wake persisted due to its deep cultural and emotional significance. It served as a personal and intimate way to honor and remember the departed, emphasizing the importance of family and community support during moments of sorrow.

Over time, embalming became more widespread, alleviating some of the difficulties posed by natural decomposition. Embalming techniques effectively preserved the body, enabling longer wakes and providing greater comfort for mourners.

Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge the value of the historical practice without embalming in terms of cultural expression and the profound grief experienced by communities. Although embalming is now more prevalent, the memory of these earlier traditions and the cultural diversity they represent continue to be respected and cherished.

The introduction of embalming marked a significant shift in the undertaking profession in Ireland. However, despite these changes, the core values of community involvement and respect for the deceased remained at the heart of our work.

In the next part of this series, I will explore further changes and challenges that came with the evolution of the undertaking profession in Ireland. Remember, every end is just a new beginning. Stay tuned for

At W.J. O’Donnell and Son Funeral Directors, our team believes that our work is not complete after the funeral of a loved one and you are burdened with grief. We understand that it’s beneficial to talk during these difficult times, and we are always available to lend an ear. Feel free to call us or visit our funeral homes in Co Antrim or South Derry during our opening hours. We are here for you. For additional bereavement support, please visit our guide at nifunerals.com/bereavement-advice

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“Preservation - Part 2 of 6”…

coming in two weeks. Until then, take care and keep sharing these valuable experiences as I leave you with this lovely though. WJ

Navigating Life as an Irish Undertaker, Embalmer & Funeral Director: The Significance of Embracing Change and the importance of community in Community in Times of Grief

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