Nature of Work:
Embalmers are responsible in preparing the deceased for their burial. They do the physical grooming and embalming the corpse to prevent the dissemination of disease.
Basic Tasks:
- Cleaning and disinfecting the dead body by putting and injecting chemicals like formalin.
- Insert cottons to eyelids, nose and mouth to prevent slipping or popping out.
- Fixing the deformation of the face such as closing the eyes, reformed the nose and closing the opened mouth by stitching the lips.
- Applies make-ups to groom the body and make it look good despite the fact that he’s dead.
- Cover up identifying marks using clay, plasters and wax.
- Inserting tubes in the arteries to absorb the blood inside the body and replace it with embalming fluids
- Clean the inner body of the corpse by inserting tubes that will absorb the fluids and toxins left inside.
- Was the dead body using germicidal soaps and disinfectants and dry it afterwards.
- Fixing or reshape the form of the body. Make it pleasant looking.
- Dresses the body with the chosen attire.
- Prepare the body in the chosen casket.
- Hospital Embalmers prepares the dead body for autopsy and also help the doctors to determine the cause of death.
- Administer and keep the important detail in the funeral services.
Education and Training Requirements:
- At least a High School graduate or graduate of vocational/training course in embalming
- Must have at least 3-5 years experience as an Embalmer
Skills and Training Requirements:
- Must have knowledge in cleaning dead body, disinfecting and inserting tubes inside the body to absorb blood and fluids.
- Know how to groom corpse by applying make up and covering the identifying marks on the body.
- Know how to disinfect bacteria to prevent disease
- Knowledge in chemicals like formalin.
- Know how to stitch open wounds or skin and how to conjoin lips or eyes.
- Must have the ability to reshape deformed body.
- Ability to identify the manner of death (for hospital embalmers)
- Knowledge in performing autopsy (for hospital embalmers)
- Must have no fear of the dead and can handle stinks came from the corpse.
Employment Opportunities:
Overseas, embalmers are required to get a license before performing cleaning and disinfecting the dead. Compared to local funerals and hospitals, a competitive salary is offered for embalmers abroad. However, job opening for embalmer is not as often as the other jobs.
Working Environment:
Embalmers are considered one of the bravest workers because they are surrounded by dead bodies. Funerals maintain cleanliness and sanitation to prevent dissemination of bacteria. Embalmers are often exposed to chemicals that might lead to skin reactions and so they are provided by hospital gowns, mask and gloves to avoid contact.
Working Hours:
Embalmers work on shifting schedule, they work 8 hours a day/night.
Career Advancement:
Highly skilled embalmers can be promoted as Head Embalmer or even higher position like Funeral Supervisor or Manager.