“Shun is an accomplished individual. I first worked with him several years ago when I spoke at a program he put together. He gives attention to the details of anything he is working at. He keeps up on the latest issues within funeral service and can be counted on to maintain the highest standards of professionalism.” 

Melissa Johnson Williams, CFSP , Executive Director , American Society of Embalmers

Embalming 301: Answers
 to Problems

Shun Newbern

The best results in embalming come from a thorough, detailed case analysis, and proper use of chemicals; consequently, reducing unfortunate viewing complications.  An external examination will determine the presences of tissue gas, fractures, organ failure, presence of secondary fluid in tissues and swelling on any kind.  You often can smell internal issues such as nitrogenous wastes, toxins in blood and early signs of decomposition.  The purpose of this analysis is to utilize the proper embalming techniques to disinfect, preserve and possibly restore the tissues. The condition prior to embalming should be copiously noted on the embalming report.

All too familiar are the increasing number cases with extreme edema and jaundice.  They can be brought on as the effect of prolonged end organ disease, but more often, they exist due to the extended use of therapeutic drugs, chemotherapy and life support measures. As well, there are the victims of high velocity gun shots wounds and victims of motor vehicle accidents. Medical science efforts to sustain life and a growing mobile society, we will continually deal with these and other issues.  It is important that embalmers discontinue under estimating the importance of analyzing, proper feature setting and the   use of normal chemical solutions.

Embalming Preparations

The embalmer needs sufficient, quality embalming chemicals to overcome challenges.  The use of the restrictive cervical injection (RCI) method is suggestive for difficult cases.  RCI controls fixation to the face, aids it controlling swelling to the features and allows the use of stronger chemical to limbs and torso.  An autopsy gives the embalmer many advantages.  When there is edema, the open system allows the additional solution and waste in the tissues to drain and reduce swelling more rapidly.  .

The goals are to preserve the tissue, removal the additional water content and restore the tissues.   When jaundice is present with edema, use much caution, add cosmetic dye to the solution to control the discoloration.  When treated edematous tissue, the location of the edema is a factor. The chemical mixture for edema should be a high index, the use of less water and no humectants. Some edema and waste will be removed during the drainage and from massaging.  Additional action may include hypodermic treatment to effective areas, lancing and channeling of the tissues, elevated the limbs and radical gravity method.  The latter method requires time, leaving the incisions open for drainage and the use of the gurney to position the decedent slightly upright. Proper treatment to discolorations and wrinkles should not be overlooked.

Enough could not be said concerning using chemicals according to the manufactures requirements.  Reading and following the instructions reduces excessive and inadequate embalming of the tissue.  Funeral directors and embalmers must understand that the future of our business stands on the quality of embalming treatments.  The use of the embalming report tells the story of the chemicals used and methods to repair the issues.  The lack of an embalming report provides no support for procedures used; thus, a meticulous, detailed report can protect the integrity of the firm and the embalmer.

Trauma and disfigurements of the face require the use of a recent detailed photograph for restorative procedures. For a straight case the use of the RCI is required to minimize swelling to the head and the features.  This method also assures the use of needed high index chemical for needed minor and major restorative procedures.  A cranial autopsy gives the embalmer excess to areas to reduce the swelling and rebuild the effected areas of the face

Communication for Results

The communication between the funeral director and the embalmer is imperative.  Too often, the in-house communication gets in the way of providing the best possible service to the family.  Through the entire service process, it becomes important that the staff appreciate the challenges that they both face and there must be cohesiveness to properly carry out their required duties.  Items that will assist an embalmer include recent photo, dentures, facial hair instructions and information concerning physical changes – weight loss and weight gain. 

The embalmer needs to clearly indicate the decedent’s condition and any challenges that may lie ahead with the funeral director.  Time is a valuable benefit for the embalmer.  When embalming is rushed on any of type condition, the standard of care is compromised. Edema and swelling often needs 48 hours or more for reduction; extreme cases need more time for the secondary solution to exit the tissues.

The conditions and additional time needed should be shared with the family right away. Withholding the facts concerning the circumstances can cause additional problems and disappointments. Without the required teamwork, the expected value and pleasant experience for the family can be most disappointing.  Clear communication is for the good of the family served.  A conscientious embalmer is aware of the need for a well embalmed decedent and the importance of fine tuning the details to make the viewing a memorable experience. 

Continued Education

In The Funeral Service Profession

Shun Newbern

                
We are upon a new era of challenges for funeral service, cremation and the preferences for families, in likes that we have never seen.  What is equally disturbing is that some of our leaders, who are voicing a pessimistic opinion on the future of education and mortuary science as it relates to state regulation - less is better.  The naysayers and the cynics will always have their moment to fight for attention, I will use mine to be very hopeful toward a profession that I love very much.

Newbern & Associates Consulting sponsored two registration scholarships students at Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling, Il to attend the American Society of Embalmers 6th annual seminar, June 11, 2010.  This was to provide educational opportunities to students and to promoted needed support to professional organizations.  The recipients, Jerri J. Reed and Rayford Grady, submitted essays to reflect their experience.   

Jerri J. Reed: It was a great honor to learn from such experienced and notable embalmers.  For a mortuary student to be able to join in on some of the intriguing discussion and informative lecture is a very valuable and rewarding experience. It gave me a chance to interact with seasoned funeral service professionals from various locations.  I was pleased that many of the presenters and participants were open to answering my questions, and in return shared with me very valuable advice. Continuing education is important in any field of work or study but it is crucial and conducive to a funeral service professional’s success.

The conference emphasized the importance of being a “first-class” embalmer.  The presenters were very knowledgeable and passionate about their trade.  The information that was given during the conference complimented the terms and concepts that I am learning at Worsham College.  It was beneficial to comprehend some of the procedures and terms through visual presentations. The underlying “theme” that each presenter echoed that as funeral service professionals we provide a service that a family cannot substitute and compromise.  As funeral service professionals we are individuals that are a part of a service industry that strives to meet the needs of those whom we serve, grieving families. 

Another important point that was made during the conference is that all the work of various funeral service professionals collectively collaborates to perfect and operate the industry that we study and work within. Continuing education is a essential because it gives embalmers, funeral directors, instructors, mortuary science students, sales representatives, etc. all a chance to gather in one location to fellowship, discuss, consult and inform one another on how to be prosperous and successful. 

As I look forward to graduation in September, I will take the education that I received at Worsham College of Mortuary Science and the information that I received at the conference and apply it all to my practice as an apprentice embalmer.  It is my sincerest desire to become a valued and respected funeral service professional, one who is patient, kind, and understanding. I will endeavor to be a professional that is continually educated, and knowledgeable about the industry’s procedures, policies, and regulations.  I am determined to be a funeral service professional who is frequently motivated to achieve excellence and who is a respected member of the funeral service community.  I am truly grateful to the American Society of Embalmers for welcoming me as a student member and allowing me the opportunity to be present at the 6^th Annual Meeting and Conference and I look forward to next year’s meeting.

Rayford Grady: It is with great enthusiasm that I am writing regarding the American Society of Embalmers Conference.  I am a student at Worsham School of Mortuary Science. This was my first time attending this event but affirmatively not my last.

I cannot imagine entering in this profession without continuing my membership in the American Society of Embalmers and attending this conference. It was academically enlightening learning about the 21^stcentury challenges, the responsibility, the future of the professional licensee and the importance of continuing education in this profession. While continuing education was not a topic; the topics of the conference resulted in me being cognizant of the importance of continuing education.

As a student, I expected to be overwhelmed by the speakers but I was not. The professional vernacular of the speakers connected to what I had learned at Worsham. I surveyed the room and saw the facial expressions of informed time-honored funeral service professionals’ openness to the speakers. I was impacted by their openness to continual education, including one of my own professors. I saw the light come on in his head through the smile that came on his face as he listened and took notes. Continual education of our profession is critical. The American Society of Embalmers 6^thAnnual Meeting and Conference was a commendable continuing educational event.

Many were notably inspired as each speaker presented such an informative lecture. The various publications and informational handouts will continue to educate me until the next conference as I continue to read the handouts. I encourage past and present students of mortuary science to attend future meetings and conferences of the American Society of Embalmers.

               The one service we provide to families that they cannot do for themselves is the artful skill of restoration and embalming of those who are deceased. This skill is what differentiates us as professionals. We are professional in our dress and behavior. Having a professional look and behavior is an integral necessity of professionalism. We have a particular skill and knowledge in a particular field of learning. We must be the best at our skill of providing memorable pictures of loved ones by temporarily inhibiting organic decomposition and restoring to an acceptable physical appearance. It is important to remember that most lawsuits against funeral homes are over the appearance of the deceased.               

               The value of viewing the body provides a psychological benefit by offering families and friends the opportunity to say goodbye to the deceased family or friend in various manners. An unacceptable appearance provides a psychological detriment. How do we continue to be the best in our profession, when the etiology of new and redeveloping diseases occurs and the impact of pharmaceuticals within the human body is not broadly known without the means of continuing education? 

               My time as a student at Worsham School of Mortuary Science will officially come to an end but my learning must continue throughout my profession. Thank you American Society of Embalmers for such an engaging learning experience at the 6^thAnnual Meeting and Conference.

To request specific articles / subjects, you may contact Shun Newbern, CFSP at shunnewbern@aol.com