What Is Embalming?
Embalming is a process carried out by a qualified professional embalmer. It involves the temporary preservation of the body by the use of chemical reagents. This stalls the natural stages of decomposition but does not completely prevent it, this can be a common misconception.
Why would someone be Embalmed?
Generally Embalming is taken into consideration for a few scenarios including but not limited to: Long distance travel including overseas repatriation or potentially long interstate journeys. Above ground interments such as Entombment in a mausoleum, vault or crypt, where it is typically a requirement in most Victorian cemeteries. other less common applications are for sanitation purposes and or for cultural/religious practices.
Where does Embalming take place?
The Embalming process is required to be performed in a suitable environment namely a mortuary preparation room with adequate access to all the necessary equipment.
So, do you need to be Embalmed?
In the majority of cases most people do not need to be Embalmed, by the use of proper refrigeration the human body is able to be preserved effectively for the short term often the first few weeks which in most situations is an adequate amount of time in order to prepare and plan the funeral service.
