Embalmers use chemicals and medical instruments to replace all the bodily fluids with a substance designed to prevent the body from deteriorating and 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.
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. While embalmers are trained in all aspects of the job, some specialise in restorative work.
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 and not squeamish.
A caring nature is an important quality - you have the responsibility to make sure that the deceased look at peace. It's also important to maintain confidentiality as a mark of respect for the family and friends of the deceased.
Funeral directors provide employment in this area. There are many family owned firms throughout the country. Specialist work with disaster teams is also an option. Often work is part time and the embalmer can be self employed. Pay varies widely depending on size and status of employer, and the employment status and experience of the worker. Experienced workers in this area can earn up to EUR60k per year while a salary of EUR35k per year is average.
In the past in Ireland, undertaking was run as a family business and it was almost impossible for an 'outsider' to enter the profession. This is no longer the case.
FAS in conjunction with the Irish School of Funeral Directors and Embalmers in Ballina offer a one year training course. Although there are no educational requirements for entry to this course, applicants would be required to have an interview. FAS award a Certificate on completion of the course.
Courses are also run in the United Kingdom on embalming and funeral directing.
There are no formal educational qualifications required for entering this line of work. Knowledge of the human anatomy is an advantage.
There is no formal upper age limit for entry to this occupation. Due to the nature of the work, a mature outlook is an advantage.
Contact your local FAS office for Career Guidance, planning and support that will help you make informed decisions about the best career direction for you
Irish School of Funeral Directors and Embalmers Emmet Street, Ballina, Co. Mayo Telephone: (096) 70669
(Courtesy of FAS)