Embalming

Embalming

Col M S Bindra

Definition

Embalming refers to method of preserving dead bodies by injection of chemical substances and the use of dressings either internally or externally

History of embalming

Embalming originated in Egypt during the period of first dynasty- about 3200 BC until AD 650.

The motive of Egyptian embalming was religious. The second period was from AD 650-1861 and its principal

area of practice and growth was Europe. In this era of anatomists, the motive was to permit detailed

anatomical dissection and study. The third or modern period of embalming history extends

from 1861 to present day. The motive in this era is diverse ranging from sentiments of

family members to public health.

Modern Embalming

William Harvey (1578-1657) - blood circulation

William Hunter (1718-1753)-injection tech, used oil of lavender and rosemary in vermillion

Von Hoffman (1863)-discovered formalin

Thomas Holmes (1817-1900)-father of modern embalming

Purpose

To prevent spread of infection to living

To arrest process of decomposition and putrefaction

To allow transportation and delayed funeral

To achieve premortem appearance

To pursue scientific studies at leisure

Requirement of Armed Forces

Bodies cannot be transported in any public carrier (Airplane, train or bus) unless they have been embalmed, sealed in a coffin and certified by the health authorities as being safe for transportation.

All efforts made to send the mortal remains to NOK Civil facilities not available in most places.

Principle

Embalming changes the protein colloidal nature and forms a lattice network of inert, more stable, longer lasting firm substances that can no longer act as food for bacteria

The new protein formed cannot be broken down by enzymes from body cells or bacteria

Destroys all pathogenic & nonpathogenic bacteria

Embalming Chemicals

Biocidal Natural colour and

effect Prevent putrefaction Prevent

contamination with insects /maggots

Ingredients

Preservatives-formalin, methanol-prevent decomposition,kill bacteria

Germicides-phenol,gluteraldehyde Buffers-sod borate-stability of chemicals Wetting agents-glycerin-facilitate penetration Anticoagulants-sod citrate-facilitatate distribution Dyes-eosin, erythrocin,toludine red-natural

colour Perfumes- winter green ,lavender oil-mask smell Vehicle-water-solvent to maintain stability of

ingredients

Composition of Fluid

Total approx 6 L for a body required

Formalin-3 parts Alcohol-2 parts Glycerine-1 part

Equipment required

Cadaverous Injector 10 L tank capacity, safety valve High pressure pump-15 lb/sq

inch 5’’long 18 gauge metallic

Canula for injection Dislodges clots by pressure Better perfusion 20-30 min Rs,25,000/-

Methods of embalming

Arterial embalming Cavity embalming Hypodermic

embalming Surface embalming

Arterial embalming

Extend neck and turn sideways to make sternocleidomastoid prominent

A 2” vertical incision along ant border of sternocleidomastoid below sup border of thyroid cartilage

Lift carotid sheath and expose common carotid artery, insert canula in ant wall

A 2” vertical incision over mid point of ASIS and pubic tubercle to expose femoral artery

Signs of good embalming :oozing of fluid from nose/mouth, firm feeling of skin, hair standing at end

Other Methods

Cavity embalming- approx 1 L of fluid is injected in the abdominal and thoracic cavities.

Hypodermic embalming- sufficient quantities of fluid is injected in the muscles of upper limb, thighs and calves.

Surface embalming- is required in cases of burns or skin loss where cotton soaked in embalming fluid is applied over the surface

Embalming of blast victims

Put splints for fractured limbs. Suture all lacerations and skin loss Put gauge soaked in embalming fluid and suture

lids in case of enucleation of eyeball. Bandage and cover severely burnt areas of face

and skull if deformed due to multiple fractures. Suture all entry and exit gun shot wounds to

prevent leakage. Plug all natural orifices with cotton. Soak burnt skin surface with embalming fluid. Completely dismembered limbs may be splinted

or sutured in their anatomical position to make the body presentable.

Embalming of burnt bodies

Effectivity depends on extent and degree of burns

Clean the skin surface with disinfectant and remove all loose skin, debris or ointments

Open and drain blisters and apply surface embalming

Use very strong solution Evisceration if possible Hypodermic embalming for fragmented parts Double plastic bags to prevent leakage and odor

Legal Responsibility

Cr PC 39-Duty of MO to decide whether MLC or not

Embalming not prior to PM in MLC

Sec 297 IPC-Any unnecessary mutilation or disrespect to the body is punishable with 1 yr imprisonment/fine or both

Legal Documentation

Identification Consent from NOK/CO Death certificate Written permission from

CO of MH NOC from police in MLC Clearance from

embassy/High commission Certificate of embalming Permission from police to

carry the body out of J & K Notifiable disease

Packing and transportation

Body wrapped in white cotton and polythene to prevent leakage

Plywood coffin lined inside with aluminum sheet – 10 Kg

Hermetically sealed and leak proof

Hinges, handles for transportation

National Flag pined on top Label with identification and

destination

Transportation

After embalming the body is no longer required to be transported in a refrigerated cabinet or in ice packing and can safely be sent for delayed funeral.

MLC

Suspected or evident suicide, homicide RTA, factory accidents, unnatural mishaps,

burns Injury with foul play Suspected/Evident criminal abortion Found dead Unidentified/unclaimed bodies Operative deaths with accusation of

negligence Fetal deaths- unsupervised delivery Cases referred by court

Form of Application for Embalming Human Dead Bodies

1. Name of the deceased _____________________________________________________ 2. Son/daughter/wife of ______________________________________________________ 3. Profession of the deceased __________________________________________________ 4. Permanent address of the deceased ___________________________________________ 5. Passport No.( In case of foreigners) __________________________________________ 6. Time and date of death ____________________________________________________ 7. Age _______ Years _____________Sex _____________(M/F) 8. Place of death ____________________________________________________________ 9. Cause of death ___________________________________________________________ 10. Status of the body ________________________________________________________ (Autopsied/non ( autopsied/mutilated/decomposed/accidental etc.) 11. The dead body is to be transported to ________________________________________ by air/flight no _________________ Airlines_______________________ by road/other __________________ in India _______________________ Place _________________________ District _______________________ 12. The Applicant is related to the deceased as friend/colleague/relation ________________ 13. Name and address of the applicant ___________________________________________ 14. Any specific disease of the deceased, suffered from known to the form______________ _______________________________________________________________________ Tuberculosis ____________________________________________________________ Cancer, hepatitis _________________________________________________________ AIDS __________________________________________________________________ 15. Certified that ____________________________________________________________ The body has been identified This is a natural death and no foul play is suspected in this case. The information given here is correct and no relevant fact has been concealed. Embalming may please be done at our risk and responsibility. I shall not hold the embalmer responsible for any consequences arising directly or indirectly out of embalming. The embalmed body will be removed from this department within 24 hrs.

Delete whichever is not applicable. _______________________________ Signature of witness ______________ Signature of applicant __________ _______________________________ ____________________________ Name Name _______________________________ ____________________________ Address Address ______________________________ ____________________________ _______________________________ ____________________________ _______________________________ Tele No______________________

CERTIFICATE OF EMBALMING

To Whomsoever It may concern

This is to certify that embalming has been carried out on the dead body of

No___________Rank_________Name ___________Unit_________Age __________at

Command Hospital (NC), C/o 56 APO on ______________

The dead body is hereby-certified fit to be transported by Air, road or rail.

(M S Bindra)Station: Col

Date : Sr Adv(Path)

COUNTERSIGNED

Unit Seal Sr Registrar Date: For Commandant

CERTIFICATE OF RECIEPT OF DEAD BODY

Received back the embalmed body of late______________,Sex:M/F,

age___________yrs and five Copies of embalming certificate

Sig__________

Name_____________

Address____________

Thank You