The Viewing
l Interment l Traditional Funeral
Perhaps no other area of funeral service is shrouded
in mystery and more misunderstood than embalming. Embalming allows for the fixation of features and
restoration. Family members can draw strength from being able to see their
loved one at rest, rather than remembering them as they were at death.
Embalming began in
ancient Egypt and was practiced in many cultures. In America, embalming
began during the Civil War, when soldiers were prepared and returned for
burial in their home towns.
Actually there is no mystery in embalming at all.
The procedure is identical to many surgical procedures and conducted under
the utmost dignity and respect. Embalming is done for preservation as well
as sanitation and public health reasons. The most common method of
embalming is a process by which the embalming fluid is introduced through
the vascular system, and thereby stopping the normal rate of
decomposition. The procedure is done under surgical conditions and usually
requires two to four hours to complete.
Like certain other medically related procedures,
embalming involves specialized surgical type techniques. In a
specially equipped room, a trained and licensed professional performs a
procedure similar to a blood transfusion or dialysis. Using surgical
instruments and wearing appropriate protective clothing, the embalmer
replaces blood and body fluids with preservative and disinfectant
solutions. Along with slowing (not completely stopping) the process
of decomposition, embalming removes the harsh physical effects of illness
or accident and restores a natural appearance.
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