As embalmers, we often witness final trauma and physical signs of illness of those that died and are now laying on the table before us. Sometimes these are lesions or tumors which they had to endure for some amount of time until their death. There’s one case that will always stay with me—a constant reminder of why our work matters and the importance of doing everything we can to support grieving families. As embalmers, our sacred duty is not only to disinfect and preserve, but also to restore. For this case in particular, this meant restoring a gentleman back to his days where he was “healthy” and not marked by his illness – an obvious sign by the over 100 tumors that grew upon his face, neck, and chest.   Upon opening the sheets that shrouded his body in the prep room, I was overwhelmed to see the vast number of tumors that riddled his upper body and head – immediately thinking how painful that must have been to endure. The overwhelming smell of them hit me quick upon revealing them too. Although I did not know his cause of death, I could see that these were fungating wounds that were certainly an active part in his ultimate death. His wife, upon learning it was a possibility, pleaded for them to be removed – for “his sickness to be taken away.” I could sense how deeply she longed to restore his true self after all he had been through, and how much peace it would bring her to see him free from the toll of his suffering. So I promised to do everything in my power to bring her husband back as she remembered him.   Fungating wounds or tumors are often a complication of metastatic cancer as the tumor infiltrates layers of the skin, tissue, or lymph vessels and extend or grow without successful treatment to abate them. They can be identified by their cauliflower appearance as they rapidly proliferate and often manifest areas of necrotic lesions. Besides being painful, the physical symptoms can include malodor, bleeding, and exudate seeping from them.   Though I did not know what he died from, identifying these wounds was helpful as an embalmer so that I could research and better know what these masses may have been like underneath the thin, and often broken layers of skin adhering them to his body. This would better educate me on what types of fluids (and chemicals) to embalm him with and how to treat these tumors prior to removing them.     Considering the common anatomy of exudate within them made me realize that I needed to decide how to treat that before just haphazardly dissecting them since I wanted to safely contain that as much as possible. Therefore, I needed to make sure to fixate them as best as possible prior to removal. Although I embalmed prior to treating the tumors, I realize that in other countries there is often a limited amount of time for preparing a body before services so if I had a time constraint, I would have treated the tumors prior to embalming. Due to the anatomy of how the tumors were situated within the body, the capillaries that infiltrate them are often fragile and compressed by the weight of the tumors. This fragility and compression often cuts parts of them off from receiving embalming fluid through the arterial system.   In order to fixate the tumors, I injected a strong cavity fluid methodically throughout all of them and between them with a hypodermic syringe – such as Pharos (containing Phenol). I then let the fluid sit for several hours before I ultimately began to excise them. Because of needing time to let the injected cavity fluid fixate the tissue and exudate within the tumors, this is why I suggest doing this part prior to embalming so that the process can be done more efficiently under time constraints. Once the tumors were no longer as pliable to the touch, I started the tedious process of excising them one by one with a scalpel and forceps. As I did this, I had to remain conscious of the decedent’s natural body curvature for his jawline, neck, and shoulders.    Once the tumors were removed, I thoroughly bathed him – something he likely hadn’t been able to do himself in a long time. The newly exposed tissue needed to be cauterized, so I saturated sheets of cotton with a cauterizing chemical, such as Frigid’s Cauterant, and laid them over those areas. I then covered the saturated cotton sheets with plastic to contain the fumes, and then let his body rest overnight. The next morning, the areas of exposed tissue were much drier. I removed the cauterized cotton and glued fresh, clean cotton sheets down over the areas on his chest and then glued a sheet of plastic over them before dressing him.   After dressing him, I placed him in his casket before restoring his neck and face. I cut the back of his collared shirt so that I could more easily work on his neck, and then could put it back in place once I was finished. Since the surface area that I was going to wax was so large across his face and neck, I wanted to create a “toothy” surface for the wax to better adhere to. I did this by saturating the exposed tissue with liquid super glue, and then spraying it with Tech Bond’s Accelerant so that it dried instantly. I could then easily apply the way over it, and it would stick better to the rough patches of hardened glue.   Since he was relatively young and did not have any wrinkles, I needed to smooth the areas of wax as best as possible. I used a flat brush and would dip the bristles of it in Dry Hair Cleaner before brushing it against the wax to smooth it out. I constantly moved around the casket to check all angles on his jawline and face while comparing it to his photo. Once I felt I achieved his natural structure of his face and neck, I began mixing the first foundation layer of cosmetic in my airbrush. To determine his foundation hue, I compared his photograph to a chart of varying browns based on having warm or cool undertones. I was able to determine that he has warm undertones in life, so I had to make sure to blend more orangey tones into his foundation color. As I began airbrushing, I also paid attention to areas of wax that caught the makeup and I therefore needed to smooth down even more. After finishing his airbrush cosmetics, I sprayed them with the Setting Spray and then replaced his collar back around his neck as it should be.   I did a final check, again from multiple angles around the casket, comparing him to his photo. I was satisfied with the result and eager for his wife to see him. She was overjoyed to see him looking like himself again, no longer showing signs of illness. It meant so much to her, that she left the casket open for his large church service as hundreds of people came to honor him. This is exactly why we do what we do, even with the long hours – because of the peace it can give others while beginning their journey in grief at the death of a loved one.  

There’s always a lot of discussion amongst embalmers about the chemicals they use, the cosmetics they like, and the techniques they deploy in restoration. When we think of embalming, we can easily call to mind that related sciences are chemistry, biology, anatomy, and microbiology, but what about physics? Occasionally you will see someone post a question in an online forum about what pressure people like to use during injection, and invariably the answer is “slow and low.” The “slow” is in reference to the rate of flow or speed of the embalming solution and the “low” is addressing the pressure of the injection. Let’s take a look and decide if this answer is a reasonable one.   To understand the concept, we have to remind ourselves of Bernoulli's Principal which explains that when pressure goes up, rate of flow goes down. Simply, the faster fluid (or gas) moves the less time it has to press on something. Makes sense so far, right? An example of this that you may be able to picture in your mind is letting the air out of a balloon. The air inside creates static pressure that decreases when you let the air out of it, thereby increasing the rate of flow. Remember, pressure is relieved by a change in rate of flow. Now, in embalming it is not an either-or situation because of the pump inside the machine. Many embalming machines make use of a centrifugal pump. The way that this works is that fluid is sucked into what is called the “volute.” The volute is a spinning wheel, that you may be able to recognize when thinking about the Gravitron ride at the carnival. This is the one that pins its victims to the wall due to the centrifugal force exerted on them as it spins at top speed. In this case however, instead of people, its liquid and it has an outlet for the fluid to flow. The dynamic between pressure and rate of flow in this case is disrupted by what is known as Euler’s Pump Formula, which is several letters and numbers long so we will not get into that here but what you need to know is that complicates the simplicity of Bernoulli’s “if one goes up, the other goes down” idea. The kinetic energy produced by the volute is used to increase or reduce rate of flow based on its speed.   So how does this relate to embalming? Very early on in our training we are taught that using too high of a rate of low can cause swelling, and to understand this, we can once again return to the analogy of the balloon. This time however, we will start with a balloon with no air in it. If we blow it up slowly, the balloon takes longer to fill up because the rate of flow we are producing is low. However, if we give one good breath, the rate of flow we produce will blow the balloon up very fast. The same can be said of our embalming solution. If we rush the solution into the body too fast before the tissues can absorb it, or if they are already saturated, it will begin to swell. Think of an elevator where a crowd of people try to get on at once, and invariably some people are left standing and waiting for the next one.   Besides avoiding swelling, using a low rate of flow means that there is more time for the tissues to absorb the solution. Unlike a balloon, the vascular system is an open system as it allows for the movement of gases and liquids from the arteries into the tissues via the capillary beds in a process called “diffusion.” A lower rate of flow in this case allows time for this to happen with better effectiveness. Examine if you will, the activity of your neighborhood paper boy on his route. If he rides by a customer's house and whips the paper from his bike on the street, he may make the delivery but who knows if that paper will hit the ditch, the porch, or a hapless dog minding their own business. But if he rides up the driveway and purposely places the paper on the stoop, his delivery is more accurate, and he is likely to get better tips at Christmas. In this case, his rate of flow is slowed, and he is able to apply more pressure to each of the houses.   But what about the “low” part? Well, this is kind of tricky considering what we just learned about pumps disrupting our buddy Bernoulli. Factor in that some embalming machines have back flow valves built in to allow for fluid pressure to be relieved in order to protect the machine. Also, how do we quantify “low pressure?” Some models have pressure that goes up to 160 psi (pounds per square inch) while others only go up to 30. The Frigid Embalming Machine (SKU: 3 EMB03) has a safety feature that stops the rate of flow when it detects a pressure of 105 psi. This also has the added benefit of alerting the embalmer that there is a clot or other blockage in the decedent's vascular system. There are also machines that automatically set their own pressure based on the rate of flow set by the operator and others that do the opposite. On top of that, pumps act like any other machine and wear out, thereby being inconsistent with the pressure they produce. We all know that embalmers famously pride themselves on having the oldest embalming machine they possibly can, so pressure and rate of flow is always questionable.  So, is the adage of “slow and low” good advice? Well, it would seem that “slow” is good advice, but “low” remains to be seen. Perhaps a better way of thinking about it is remembering the relationship between rate of flow and pressure, and understanding what that means in the context of your own machine.    

It’s with immense excitement that I share this milestone with you – Frigid Fluid Company has recently reached a significant achievement, shipping our 200th embalming machine.

Water is an essential resource that sustains life and supports various activities in both households and businesses such as funeral homes. However, not all water is created equal. Some water sources contain high concentrations of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium ions, leading to what is commonly known as hard water. It is important to recognize that calcium is responsible for the clotting reaction of blood and can create clots. Metals ions in general can become lodged in cell walls and block capillaries as well, reducing your solutions ability to diffuse properly.  Understanding the sources of hard water in your funeral home is crucial for addressing the challenges it presents for embalmers  Groundwater Sources: A significant portion of the world's water supply comes from groundwater sources, such as wells and boreholes. When rainwater or surface water seeps into the ground, it begins its journey through various rock layers and sediment. Along the way, it interacts with rocks rich in calcium carbonate (limestone) or magnesium compounds (dolomite), leading to the dissolution of these minerals. As a result, the groundwater becomes enriched with calcium and magnesium ions, causing it to be classified as hard water. Geological Composition: The geological composition of the region can play a significant role in determining the hardness of water in your area. Some geological formations contain high concentrations of calcium and magnesium-bearing rocks. For instance, areas with limestone, chalk, gypsum, or dolomite formations are more likely to have hard water sources. The top five metro areas in the United States that have hard water are Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Phoenix, and San Antonio because of their geological composition. The Midwest in general has the highest instance of hardwater. Internationally, the UK, Canada, and Australia all have a high level of water hardness.  Municipal Water Sources: Even in urban settings, where water is supplied by municipalities, hard water can still be a concern. The water sources tapped by municipal water treatment plants may originate from sources influenced by the local geology, such as underground aquifers or surface water. As a result, the water might naturally contain dissolved minerals, leading to hardness. Surface Water Contamination: Surface water, such as water from lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, can also exhibit varying degrees of hardness. The water picks up minerals as it flows over rocks and through soil. In agricultural regions where fertilizers and agricultural runoff are common, the water might contain additional minerals, exacerbating the hardness levels. Human Activities: Human activities can contribute to water hardness. Industries discharging wastewater containing minerals can introduce hardness into water sources. Similarly, improper waste disposal, especially in mining and agricultural regions, can lead to mineral leaching into water bodies, increasing water hardness. Water Treatment Facilities: Water treatment facilities are responsible for supplying clean and potable water to communities. While they aim to remove harmful substances, they may not always address the minerals responsible for water hardness effectively. In some cases, water treatment processes may not include water softening methods, allowing the minerals to remain in the water supply. Plumbing System Contamination: In older funeral homes with aging plumbing systems, metal pipes can corrode over time. This corrosion can introduce trace amounts of metals like calcium and magnesium into the water as it travels through the pipes, adding to water hardness. Seasonal Variations: In certain regions, water hardness can vary depending on the season. During the rainy season, water sources may be diluted, leading to lower mineral concentrations. However, during dry periods, water levels may drop, resulting in higher concentrations of dissolved minerals and increased water hardness. Identifying hard water in your funeral home  White Deposits: Look for chalky, white mineral deposits on faucets, showerheads, and other surfaces.  Soap Scum: Increased soap scum buildup in sinks and tubs due to minerals reacting with soap.  Water Pressure Issues: Decreased water pressure and clogs in pipes caused by mineral blockages.  Fabric Stains: Dark brown, rusty, green or black stains may appear on linens and fabrics, such as towels, due to mineral presence.  Lack of foamy soap: Minerals in water prevent soap from foaming up to its full potential, so if you find that the soap you are using to wash descendants’ hair is “flat,” there’s a good chance you have hard water.     Addressing Hard Water in your prep room: While hard water is not harmful to human health, its impact on plumbing systems and appliances can be problematic. The buildup of mineral deposits can clog pipes, reduce water flow, and decrease the efficiency of water heaters and other appliances. This can also be true in your embalming machine, where a hard water situation can be created. If you are an embalmer who prefers to or is required to leave standing water in your machine, the evaporation of the water will leave any particulates behind. If you are not regularly flushing your machine and cleaning the filter, the likelihood of metals build-up in your machine increases. This can be remedied by regularly flushing your machine with Water Clot Guard (1-WATCLOTG) that is designed specifically to isolate and cage calcium to prevent the clotting reaction and the lodging of metallic particles in the tissue.   The Frigid Machine (3-EMB03) remedies this issue by having easily removeable filters and a “clean: function which addresses all of the hydraulic system instead of just flushing the hose and pump.   Frigid Fluid  offers several options to combat the challenges of hard water during embalming, . Water softeners are popular devices that use ion exchange to replace calcium and magnesium ions with sodium or potassium ions, reducing water hardness. Additionally, filtration systems, reverse osmosis, and chelation methods can be used to mitigate the effects of hard water. All of these will help at the funeral home level. During your embalming, you can add to your solution Water Clot Guard (1-WATCLOTG) to treat the hardness of your funeral home water and Plasma Flo (1-PLASFLO) to combat any clots that may be created or are already existing.   In conclusion, understanding the sources of hard water and recognizing its presence in your home or business is essential not only for maintaining your plumbing systems' health and ensuring the efficient operation of appliances such as your embalming machine, but also to achieving the best embalming possible. By identifying the culprits behind water hardness, you can implement appropriate measures to soften the water during your embalming process and service your families the best way possible.

In a groundbreaking stride towards enhancing the embalming process, the Frigid Embalming Machine is making waves in the funeral industry with its cutting-edge technology and an array of innovative features.

Since ancient times, human civilizations have sought methods to preserve the bodies of the deceased as a means of honoring their memory and beliefs about the afterlife. Among the various techniques employed, salt has stood the test of time as the oldest and most enduring embalming chemical used by humans. Its preservative properties have played a pivotal role in shaping the rituals and traditions surrounding death throughout history.   Historical Significance of Salt in Embalming  The practice of purposeful preservation of the deceased dates back thousands of years, and perhaps the most well-known instance of this is ancient Egypt. The ancient Egyptians believed in an afterlife and sought to preserve the bodies of their deceased loved ones to ensure a smooth transition to the next world. Salt, in the form of natron, a naturally occurring mixture of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, played a central role in this process. The Egyptians meticulously removed internal organs and placed the body in natron for about 40 days. This process desiccated the body, preventing decomposition and allowing for a well-preserved corpse.  The Egyptians' embalming techniques were not limited to pharaohs and the elite. Even commoners benefited from these preservation rituals, though the complexity of the process varied according to the social status of the deceased. This emphasis on preservation highlighted the profound significance of the afterlife in ancient Egyptian culture, with salt as a key enabler of their beliefs.  Cultural Applications of Salt in Embalming  Beyond Egypt, salt-based embalming practices spread to various ancient cultures, each adapting and incorporating their unique traditions. In ancient China, for instance, a method called "boiling and drying" involved immersing the deceased in a solution of salt and other herbs, followed by desiccation in the sun. The Chinese believed this process allowed the soul to return to the body after death and continued to perform these rituals for centuries.  Similarly, in pre-Columbian South America, the Incas practiced mummification using salt and other natural substances. They preserved their deceased rulers and nobles by carefully drying the bodies and interring them in elaborate tombs. The use of salt in these cultures symbolized a deep reverence for the departed and a belief in the continuity of the soul's journey.  Scientific Principles of Salt in Embalming  The effectiveness of salt as an embalming chemical lies in its hygroscopic properties, meaning it has the ability to absorb and retain moisture. This characteristic is vital in the preservation process, as moisture is a primary catalyst for decomposition. When applied to a decedent, salt draws out moisture from the tissues, making the environment hostile to bacteria and microorganisms responsible for decomposition.  Moreover, salt acts as a natural desiccant, accelerating the drying process. As ancient civilizations discovered and refined their embalming techniques, they recognized salt's capacity to leave the body in a state of mummification, preserving it for an extended period.  Lasting Impact of Salt in Embalming  The use of salt in embalming not only influenced burial practices but also had broader impacts on ancient societies. The preservation of bodies enabled the construction of grand tombs and elaborate burial sites, which eventually evolved into iconic structures like the Egyptian pyramids. The cultural emphasis on preserving the deceased's body fostered artistic and architectural achievements that continue to captivate modern audiences.  Furthermore, the significance of salt in embalming permeated religious and philosophical beliefs about the afterlife. The concept of the soul's journey and the preservation of the physical form became intertwined across cultures. These beliefs continue to influence funeral practices and memorial ceremonies around the world, shaping how people cope with death and mourn the loss of loved ones.  While modern embalming techniques have evolved significantly, the legacy of salt in preserving bodies continues to resonate.  Contemporary embalming fluids and techniques still make use of salt. A popular technique embalmers use for bodies with edema (a body water content 10% above normal) is to mix strained Epsom salts in their embalming solution. Some embalmers do this with caution as it can dry out the gaskets in their embalming machine. However, the design of the Frigid Embalming Machine (SKU: 3-EMB03) facilitates this technique as it has apertures (passageways) that open and close rather than gaskets. Further, salt is often a component for edema fluids such as Leak Guard (SKU: 1-LEAKG), and cavity fluids such as Pharos (SKU: 1-PHAROS), Premium Cavity (SKU: 1-PREMCAV), Cavity King (1-CAVKING), and 5 Purpose Cavity (1-5PUR). The next time you find yourself with a body with too much water in it, do something that humans have been doing for centuries and use some salt!