This is one of the most often asked questions of a funeral director.

Embalming, in its various forms has been performed by many civilizations throughout recorded history.  The ancient Egyptians are perhaps most closely associated with the art and practise of embalming. Over the years the procedure has changed and evolved to what is now known as modern day embalming.

Why do we embalm?

We use embalming primarily for three reasons: 

1)  Temporary Preservation of the Remains.  The Primary reason for embalming is to allow adequate time between death and burial to observe social customs such as visitation and funeral services.  Without embalming, the natural process of decomposition begins immediately and progresses at varying rates.

2)  Restoration of the Remains:  Embalming has a restorative effect on human remains.  When a family elects to have the casket open for visitors, or if there is to be only a brief identification of the remains, appearances are often greatly enhanced by the embalming process.

3)  Disinfection:  Although not always a concern, embalming aids in the disinfection of remains.

How is embalming done?

The following is a general description of the embalming procedure.  If you wish more information on the embalming process, any one of the Funeral Directors at Community Alternative would be pleased to provide you with more detail.

STEP 1- Pre-Embalming Preparation and Analysis

Funeral home personnel position the remains on a stainless steel or porcelain table. The clothing or hospital shroud is removed and exposed areas of the remains are covered. Respect for the dignity of the deceased is paramount for all Community Alternative funeral directors. All personal effects are carefully inventoried.  Jewelry and glasses are removed during embalming and then either replaced on the remains or returned to the family.

The funeral director will now carefully consider his or her next steps in the embalming process, taking into careful consideration such factors as the cause of death, condition of remains, age, gender, time until final disposition, etc.

STEP 2- Preparation

The funeral director will perform a topical preliminary disinfection of the remains using disinfectant spray and cotton swabs. Next, the funeral director positions the remains as they will appear in the casket and set the facial features by closing the eyes and mouth.

STEP 3- Embalming Process

In most cases, the funeral director will make a small (1 - 2") incision above the right clavicle (collar bone).  Through this opening he or she will access the Right Carotid Artery and the Right Jugular Vein.  A preservative fluid prepared by the director is introduced to the circulatory system through the Carotid Artery.  A special machine pumps the fluid through out the remains using the arterial system.  This causes the blood in the system (a primary site of decomposition) to travel out of the body via the venous system and drain through the Jugular Vein. 

Because the circulatory system does not access the hollow organs of the abdominal, thoracic and pelvic cavities, the funeral director will use specialized instruments to remove fluids and gases from these areas.  A strong preservative fluid is introduced to the hollow organs to further slow the decomposition process.  All incisions are then sutured closed.

STEP 4- Washing

The funeral director washes the remains with a germicidal soap solution. He or she then cleans the fingernails. If appropriate, hairdressing is done after embalming has been completed.

STEP 5- Dressing and Casketing

Using clothing provided by the family, the funeral director proceeds to dress the remains. It is common to use a full set of clothing, including underclothes, socks or stockings, and shoes if so desired. The funeral director will then apply a discrete amount of cosmetics to the face and hands of the remains. This is done to replace the natural colour of the skin that often changes after death.  Usually a special mortuary cosmetic is used, although store bought cosmetics may be used also. It is through the proper application of cosmetics, that a more life-like presentation will be made. Too much or too little cosmetics have a negative effect on the appearance of the remains.  The remains are then placed in the casket. Adjustments to clothing, hair, cosmetics, and the interior of the casket is done before placement in the Visitation Room, Chapel, or other place of service.