A mortuary is a place where people go after they die. They are responsible for transporting, conducting autopsies and preparing bodies for burial or cremation. They must follow strict state guidelines regarding the handling of dead bodies.
Many funeral homes also operate a mortuary. They offer a full range of services that include cremation, funerals and remembrances. They also have chapels and gathering spaces to host events.
Waiting mortuary
Before modern methods of verifying death became available, people often feared being buried alive. To avert this fear, they were housed in mortuaries called waiting morgues until the putrefaction process began, a sure sign that they were really dead. These facilities were especially popular in Germany and were often large, ornate halls. Supposed corpses were kept there for a time, and attendants watched for signs of life. The corpses were fitted with strings around their fingers and toes, which led to an alarm bell that would ring at the slightest movement. The morgue also provided a place for relatives to visit their loved ones. Bruhier expanded upon the work of Jacob Winslow, who had recommended a number of tests, such as blowing pepper into the nostrils or forcing red-hot pokers into the anus, to ensure that a body was dead before burial.
Morgue
A morgue is a facility where bodies are stored for identification or autopsy. It is typically located in hospitals or medical examiners’ offices. It also serves as a temporary storage area for unclaimed corpses or those who have no next of kin. The dead are stored in refrigerated units to slow the decomposition process until the arrangements for burial or cremation can be made.
The morgue is staffed by professionals, including forensic pathologists or medical examiners who perform autopsies and determine the cause of death; morgue technicians or assistants, who prepare the bodies; and other staff members who work with families to honor cultural or religious practices during this difficult time. They follow strict protocols to protect the integrity of the bodies and ensure they are treated with respect.
Many people confuse the terms “morgue” and “funeral home.” While they share some similarities, they have different functions and settings. Funeral homes usually offer a more comprehensive range of services, including embalming and viewing. In addition, they can arrange for on-site cremation and memorial services.
Crematory
While open outdoor pyres were common in the past, cremation today takes place inside a specially designed furnace called a cremation chamber. A refractory liner absorbs the thermal energy and converts it to nitric oxide and water, which vaporize and combust the organic parts of the body. Before cremation, the body is cleaned and dressed. Jewelry and other personal items are removed, medical devices and prosthetics discarded, and a stainless-steel disc with number/id is placed on the body.
The cremation process usually takes a few hours. The remains are then sifted through a mechanical process, and the fragments are reduced in size. Once the cremation process is complete, the ashes are returned to the family in an urn or other container. Some mortuaries also offer a memorial service before the cremation. In addition, they are able to perform traditional burials as well.
Funeral home
A funeral home is a business that offers a variety of services to help mourning families deal with the death of a loved one. They can also arrange memorial services and provide caskets and urns. They may also help a family write and publish an obituary in the newspaper. They can also offer a range of other products and services, including service booklets and flowers.
In addition to storing and preparing the body for burial or cremation, they can also arrange a service based on cultural or religious practices. They can also help with legal paperwork and act as a liaison to other agencies or religious organizations.
Some funeral homes also provide a range of other services, such as catering for a reception, floral arrangements, and transportation for out-of-town guests. They can also arrange for a wake or visitation before the service, and assist in choosing clergy or family members to attend. They can also arrange a graveside service and help the family select an open or closed casket.