Profession embalmer

Embalmers arrange for the removal of bodies of deceased persons from the place of death and they prepare the bodies for burials and cremations. They clean and disinfect the bodies, use make-up to create the impression of a more natural appearance and hide any visible damage. They are in close contact with funeral services directors in order to comply with the wishes of the deceased family members.

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Personality Type

Knowledge

  • Cosmetics

    The various types of substances used to enhance the appearance of the human body.

Skills

  • Cooperate with funeral directors

    Make arrangements and work together with funeral directors who provide funeral services for people buried on the cemetery under your responsibility.

  • Embalm bodies

    Prepare bodies for funeral ceremonies, by cleaning and disinfecting them, using make-up to create the impression of a natural appearance and hiding or correcting any visible damages or injuries.

  • Move bodies

    Move bodies yourself or arrange transport from the place of death to the morgue or funeral home, in and out of the hearse and from the funeral home to the cemetery.

  • Apply health and safety standards

    Adhere to standards of hygiene and safety established by respective authorities.

  • Work with chemicals

    Handle chemicals and select specific ones for certain processes. Be aware of the reactions which arise from combining them.

  • Show diplomacy

    Deal with people in a sensitive and tactful way.

  • Maintain professional administration

    File and organise professional administration documents comprehensively, keep customer records, fill in forms or log books and prepare documents about company-related matter.

  • Dress bodies

    Put on clothes on bodies of deceased persons, chosen or provided by the deceased one's relatives.

  • Maintain inventory of tools

    Keep an inventory of tools utilised in manufacturing or in the provision of services. Ensure that tool sets remain complete and suitable for use.

  • Promote human rights

    Promote and respect human rights and diversity in light of the physical, psychological, spiritual and social needs of autonomous individuals, taking into account their opinions, beliefs and values, and the international and national codes of ethics, as well as the ethical implications of healthcare provision, ensuring their right to privacy and honouring for the confidentiality of healthcare information.

Optional knowledge and skills

advise on funeral services assist with funeral planning work ergonomically clean rooms dermasurgery techniques manage staff lift heavy weights provide directions to guests administer appointments prepare ceremonial locations apply organisational techniques liaise with local authorities handle chemical cleaning agents biology transfer coffins assist police investigations

Source: Sisyphus ODB