Reverent Care, the Influence of Mindset, and Tissue Donation

Course overview

The reverent care of the deceased which includes ethics, human dignity, the modesty cloth, the hands of humanity and a moment of silence is discussed. How the influence of the embalmers mindset affects the process including the pausing of external influences, being present, and the how the word choice matters. Also discussed the donation conversation. Here is where we will define the authorizing party and first-person authorization, why are recovered tissues called gifts, the tissue donation conversation with donor families, and the discussion of open casket viewing and final disposition. Practical issues such as the notification to Funeral Home of the potential donor and what is a HOLD and why is it necessary. Cooling the potential donor to preserve the option for donation is the philosophy of maximizing gifts. We will talk about the recovery procedure & embalmer support, and reimbursement for additional time and resources. Graft Utilization including an overview of various graft types and uses, the fiber processing radius and ulna, and specialty grafts matching the needs of a recipient to a specific donor. As a bonus we will address a few good practices to adopt such as personal protection for the embalmer and the public, How to choose instruments vs. fingers, the exposure reduction during cavity treatment, the Postmortem Haircut, and concealing suture knots. We will also leave enough time for final remarks and questions.