Most adults have seen a depiction of a mortuary in movies and TV, but the reality is far more complex. Mortuaries are refrigerated drawer-like compartments where bodies are stored temporarily.
They can also embalm and prepare bodies for burial or cremation. They’re often located within funeral homes, but can also be found in hospitals and other health facilities.
Storage of dead bodies
A mortuary is a facility that contains refrigeration units to store dead bodies and embalming stations for preparing them for burial or cremation. It also has space for families to hold private viewings of the bodies. The facility can also handle other responsibilities such as providing autopsy services or disposing of unclaimed bodies.
The storage of bodies in mortuary facilities can pose many ethical challenges, especially during mass fatality events such as natural disasters and infectious disease outbreaks. In these situations, there are many concerns to address, including ensuring dignity for the deceased, honouring religious and cultural practices, and alleviating suffering for survivors.
A good mortuary should have documented procedures to transfer bodies into contingency storage arrangements if the body store reaches capacity or major equipment fails. This should include a system to alert staff and ensure that the procedures are followed. Additionally, a mortuary should have traceability systems to track all bodies entering and leaving the facility.
Preparation of bodies for burial or cremation
Mortuary science is more than just working with the dead, but it is also about human services and business management. This type of work is very delicate and requires special care. The first step is to prepare the body for cremation or burial by washing and sanitizing it. This is a symbolic act of dignity and respect, as well as a way to ensure that the body is hygienically prepared.
Once the body is cleaned, it is placed in a sturdy combustible container for the cremation process. The container is then inserted into the retort, where intense heat vaporizes organic material and reduces it to a fine ash. A metal tray collects the ashes, which are then returned to the family.
The funeral home may hold a memorial service for the deceased or arrange for burial. The funeral home will make arrangements for the final resting place, and it will usually take custody of the body until the next of kin makes the necessary arrangements. The funeral home will also provide support and guidance for grieving families.
Embalming
A mortuary is a facility that handles the body of a deceased individual until arrangements are made for burial or cremation. The facility usually has a chapel for services, staterooms for viewing and visitation, a large parking lot, etc. It is also equipped with tools for embalming. In some cases, embalming is required by law.
This process involves washing, arterially infusing and applying embalming chemicals to the body to sanitize and preserve it. It slows down the deterioration of the remains and allows more time for family members to pay their last respects and find closure.
The embalming process is an important part of funeral planning. It provides a more lifelike appearance, which can help mourners come to terms with the death of their loved one. It is also important for families to be able to view their loved one for an open casket public viewing. To avoid the risk of disease, embalming is often required for bodies that are to be transported long distances or stored for extended periods of time before burial or cremation. Embalming is usually done by a certified embalmer.
Funeral services
Most people assume that mortuaries are bare-bones operations that focus solely on the decedent and their preparation for burial or cremation. In some cases, this is true. However, many mortuary facilities offer funeral services as well.
The first step in arranging a funeral or cremation is to meet with a funeral director. The funeral director will review your options, answer your questions and help you plan a service that meets your wishes.
After meeting with you and discussing your options, the funeral home must give you a General Price List. The list will identify caskets and alternative containers regularly offered by the funeral home, along with their retail prices.
Mortuary law imposes strict rules on funeral homes, cemeteries and related entities to ensure that they respect the rights of grieving families and avoid exploitative practices. These laws are complex and involve a balance of business interests with ethical considerations. They require that funeral directors understand the legal and regulatory complexities of their profession.