May 2020

Page A16 MAY 2020 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS S ec t i on A By Matt Black Embalming Tips & Tools The Challenges of Embalming Generalized Edema (Continued) If we were to use a traditional embalming approach on a generalized edema case, there is a good chance we would end up with embalming failures and total neu- tralization of the embalming solution. We should all agree that a .70% preservative solution isn’t a strong enough embalming solution. This weak solution hasn’t even considered the physical and chemical makeup of the un-embalmed body. Factor in edema and drug ther- apies to the equation. In short, our original embalming solution will end up just colored water with very little preservative factor. Recall from mortuary school that cross linking of pro- tein removes a molecule of water for every cross-link that is formed. With the abundance of water in these cases the water may reverse this process by hydrolyzing the cross- linkages of protein. Therefore, the embalming results may also be reversed by the presence of excess amount of wa- ter. (Hopkins, Thanto) These edema cases have become an embalmer’s nightmare and lead to failures. When embalming the edema case our plan is to re- move the excess moisture that causes the edema. Em- balming complications can be distension in the tissue, secondary dilution, leakage, blistering, skin slip and de- composition. A waterless or low water embalming is a must. A waterless solution has a far superior preserva- tion quality than a traditional arterial solution whose main ingredient is water. It would be foolish for me to think that everyone would feel comfortable trying wa- The key to embalming success is preservation of the tis- sue. Frommortuary school we can recall, preservation can be regarded as complete only when the arterial chemical used has penetrated the cells and achieved “firming” of the tissue. When the arterial chemicals fail to enter the indi- vidual protein cells fully, these cells remain active and de- composition breakdown will continue. If preservation is not the most important factor in em- balming a jaundice case, what is? All cases offer challenges, but jaundice cases, kidney failure and liver failure offer in- creased challenges in preservation because of high levels of nitrogenous waste, ammonia, drugs, edema, and pH. Medically administered drugs and drug therapies used will change the permeability of the protein cells in the body. This can be a challenge for preservative chemicals trying to pass through the cell wall to cross-link the pro- teins. We are all aware the longer we wait to embalm, the more decomposition waste products and pH changes we see in the body and that decomposition will gener- ate more fluid in the body from the autolytic process. Yes, that is more secondary dilution of your arterial chemi- cals…or let’s just say it’s neutralizing our embalming fluid. terless embalming. But please be aware of the issues associ- ated with the additional water added during embalming. The embalmer willing to meet the challenges we face today and putting forth one’s best effort for the families we serve should have no fear in trying new embalming procedures and techniques! In the public eye, we are the experts.The families we serve deserve to say hello and goodbye in a dignified manner. JAUNDICE Treating jaundice is one of the most challenging situations an embalmer can encounter. Logically, increased failures oc- cur in embalming jaundice cases when there is poor preser- vation, a lack of dye, or a lack of accessory arterial chemi- cals. Honestly, we even know embalmers who have even used milk. I have never tried using milk or heard of any success us- ing it as a pre/co-injection. Just imagine the potential liabili- ties of this unusual technique. One of the new standards we see on social media sites is using Alka-Seltzer. When consider- ing trying an unusual new technique such as these, ask your- self if you would be comfortable being placed under oath in a deposition when your funeral home is sued for negligence and you have to explain why you chose whole milk over skim milk when you were embalming that individual. I understand we have a lot of very qualified guidance for difficult cases…but using social media might not be the best choice. If we believe in best practice procedures embalming cases, preservation takes precedence over any cosmetic issue due to discolorations. Matt Black has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer in the State of Pennsylvania for over 20 years. He represents The Dodge Company in Central and Western Pennsylvania. In addi- tion to being a graduate of the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortu- ary Science, Matt also holds degrees in Bio-Medical Engineering Technology and Industrial Management. Matt has also attended the Fountain National Academy of Professional Embalming Skills, Springfield, MO, and is licensed in eye and corneal enucleation. He has presented at Dodge Embalming Seminars as well as numer- ous local seminars in Pennsylvania. He can be reached by email at mblack@Dodgeco.com. FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS www.nomispublications.com Monthly Columns online at The opportunity to choose a Keepsake Pendant presents itself only once. The comfort a Keepsake Pendant offers, lasts a lifetime. TM www.madelynpedants.com e-mail orders@madelynco.com 800-788-0807 Fax 608-752-3683 call about monthly specials or visit ourwebsite Known for qualitymaterials and craftsmanship, MadelynCo. Keepsake Pendants are hand-made using jewelry-grademetals. Stainless Steel Basketball Stainless Steel Soccer Ball Stainless Steel Golf Ball Stainless Steel Football Sports Pendants Keepsake Pendants are available in 14Kyellowandwhite gold, gold vermeil, sterling silver, white bronze, pewter, stainless steel and titanium. Stainless Steel Baseball May:Layout 1 3/30/20 10:59 AM Page 1 Marketing That Works Continued from Page A15 • The Power of Referrals. Look at the list of families you’ve served during the past month. Odds are that many of them chose to do business with you because of a fam- ily member or friend who had a positive experience with you. There, my friends, is one of the greatest marketing tools – refer- rals. Do you have a program in place to cultivate and encourage referrals? Do you ask for referrals? And do you thank – and reward – past clients when they make a re- ferral? Intentions may be good, but you re- ally need a plan in place. A simple “thank- you” note is effective. Handwritten is best, but a preprinted note is better than none. • Sow Your Seeds Through Grassroots Efforts. Simple, grassroots marketing ef- forts surround you. And when budget is a particular concern, they can be some of your most practical, yet often overlooked, options. Sponsor local sports teams. Sup- port community events. Make certain your company name, phone number and web address are on your vehicles and cor- respondence. Keep your property and building meticulously maintained. Most importantly, make certain that every per- son you and your staff serve receives car- ing, compassionate service because they will spread the word to others. Your marketing plan will be the roadmap to successful marketing and advertising. Don’t go it alone. Encourage input from others on your staff. Talk to other business owners whose advertising you notice. And consider a professional marketing firm to implement ideas, create messages that sell and guide you through the marketing process. 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