Embalmer

Also known as:

Mortuary Technician

Introduction

Embalmers use chemicals and medical instruments to prepare the bodies of deceased people prior to their funeral, be it burial or cremation. Embalming is done for three reasons: preservation, presentation and sanitation.

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Work Activities

Embalmers use chemicals and medical instruments to prepare the body of someone who's died for burial or cremation. This is done for three main reasons. Firstly to keep the body preserved until the funeral. Secondly for presentation - relatives and friends may want to view their loved one in a peaceful and natural state. Thirdly, sanitation - embalming ensures that there are no health risks to those who come into contact with the body.

Embalmers inject chemicals, sometimes using electric pumps, into the arteries, and these chemicals preserve the body. Waste body fluids are then drained and removed. It may be necessary to do some cosmetic work, such as hairdressing and application of make-up. In some circumstances, perhaps if the deceased has been involved in an accident, the embalmer will need to do some restorative work using plaster of Paris or wax. While embalmers are trained in all aspects of the job, some specialise in restorative work.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As an embalmer you will need an extensive knowledge of human anatomy and the bacteria that can act on it. You should also be able to deal with distressing situations, especially if the deceased has not died of natural causes.

A caring nature is an important quality - you have the responsibility to make sure that the deceased look at peace. You should be sensitive to people's feelings. It's also important to maintain confidentiality as a mark of respect for the family and friends of the deceased.

You need to understand and respect different religious beliefs.

You need to be fit and have the stamina to stand all day.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Employed embalmers earn in the range of £16,000 - £25,000 a year. Earnings for self-employed embalmers vary depending on the number of cases they deal with. Some established embalmers can earn in excess of £40,000 a year.

Embalmers work a basic 39-hour week, Monday to Friday. Occasional weekend work may be required.

You could be employed by a funeral service company. Small firms may have a funeral director who does the embalming as part of their job. Larger organisations are more likely to employ embalmers on a full-time basis.

It is also possible for an embalmer to be self-employed and work for several funeral companies.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have gained relevant practical skills and abilities using their hands.

Trainees can work towards qualifications of the British Institute of Embalmers; which provides a list of accredited tutors on their website. Flexible study and distance learning is available covering embalming theory.

• 42% of people in occupations such as embalming are self-employed.
• 6% work part-time.
• 12% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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