A mortuary is a facility where human corpses are stored, until autopsy and identification is complete. After these procedures, the bodies are then prepared for respectful burial, cremation, or disposal. Modern morgues are specially constructed to slow decomposition and preserve a human’s body’s integrity.
Mortuaries can be affiliated with funeral homes, or they can be independent entities. The best way to choose a mortuary is to call it and ask about its services. Often, the mortuary can provide referrals in the area. An important service a mortuary offers is embalming. At room temperature, a body quickly decomposes, creating a health risk and making the embalming process difficult. A mortuary has refrigerated cabinets with drawers that help preserve the body. This setup helps ensure that the body remains in the proper state for embalming.
In addition to assisting the funeral director, a mortuary worker may be a diener, a professional qualified to perform evisceration and reconstruction of a deceased person. In the US and UK, this position is known as mortician. In some countries, a deceased person’s body is embalmed prior to disposal. This prevents further contamination of the body, as traces of the chemical agents may remain in the body.
A mortuary science degree provides a broad educational foundation, integrating human biology, microbiology, and embalming. As a result, a mortuary science degree can help individuals develop a broad skill set, while offering support to bereaved families. However, a mortuary science degree is not suitable for every person. A mortuary science degree is a great choice for those who want to be a funeral director.
Mortuaries provide basic services and are less expensive than a funeral home. They offer quick viewing for immediate family members, but may not provide a memorial service for the deceased. In addition, most mortuaries are unable to accommodate large groups of guests. However, some mortuaries are beginning to offer blended services with funeral directors and onsite cremation. A mortuary must employ a mortician, a person who oversees the preparation of the deceased. The mortician’s role is a crucial one in the running of the mortuary’s services. They will help ensure that the deceased is properly prepared for viewing.
To become a mortuary director, you must complete a two-year collegiate-level course. The program requires 60 semester or 90 quarter credits. In addition, you must complete a mandatory course of mortuary arts and sciences. These include topics such as embalming, chemistry, and anatomy. You will also complete a course in funeral counseling and mortuary law.
Mortuaries are often located in hospitals. Typically, a morgue will be located in a basement, adjacent to the kitchens. Most morgues will also have loading dock access. In the event of a disaster, a morgue can also be used as a temporary public facility. In some cases, refrigerator trucks are used as morgues because they are readily available and can be transported.
A mortuary is a place where human corpses are kept until their identification and funeral preparations are complete. The morgue is also a place where families can view the body. Ideally, it should be a place of comfort and support. However, it is not uncommon for the morgue to be one of the oldest parts of a hospital, which is why it rarely gets upgraded. It is important to understand the difference between a mortuary and a funeral home.
Mortuaries produce small amounts of biohazardous waste. This waste is distinct from biohazardous waste in hospitals and doctors’ offices. In addition, embalming fluid may contain alcohols or glutaraldehyde. This waste should be separated from other waste and properly disposed of. When disposed, it should be handled by a certified embalmer. However, some cultures do not allow the embalming of their dead.
Mortuaries also must work with logistics providers and suppliers. This is why it is essential to develop a network of relationships in the mortuary industry. NMS helps with mortuary shipping logistics and offers other solutions that help ease the burden of the mortuary. Further, funeral directors must also consider the needs of their customers and their family in the event of death. If the need arises, a mortuary may need to coordinate the shipping of the body domestically and internationally.