Summer is here and so are seasonal decedent care concerns. While there can be a myriad of season-related issues, we are going to focus on how the increase in temperature will accelerate decomposition, bacterial growth and an increased number of insects resulting in elevated rates of infestation. As Temperatures Go Up, So Does Decomposition Decomposition of compounds in the body is a chemical reaction. It is a well-accepted fact that increasing the temperature can speed up chemical reactions. This is because many reactions require energy to move towards completion. Heat is a form of energy that can accelerate reactions. One rationale for refrigeration is to lower the temperature to slow reactions that occur in the body. The other option is embalming. Embalming is defined as the preservation, disinfection and sanitation of human remains with the use of chemicals. Often this is achieved through arterial embalming but other methods such as topical embalming can be applied as well. Frigid Fluid offers a wide selection of arterial and cavity chemicals that meet the needs of any imaginable situation. The Impact of Temperature on Bacterial Growth Another concern with increasing temperatures is bacterial growth. Bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments which are often present during the summer months. As the rate of decomposition increases, so does the food available for bacteria to consume. This results in an increase in bacterial numbers and activity. To combat this, it is important to utilize refrigeration and the proper concentration of embalming solution when working with human remains during the summer. Embalming includes the destruction of bacteria. Sanitation, through embalming, can be achieved using formaldehyde to link bacterial proteins. Neutralization of the proteins kills the bacteria. An example of this is the neutralization of bacterial digestive enzymes. Without functional enzymes, bacteria are unable to process food stuffs for nourishment. This is an example of only one class of protein that makes up bacteria. There are many more, including proteins for motility, resistance, and proliferation. Tissue gas is of particular importance when considering decedent care during the summer months. Tissue gas is caused by the bacteria Clostridium perfringens. Clostridium perfringens is an anaerobic gram-positive spore-forming bacillus associated with acute gastrointestinal infections ranging in severity from diarrhea to necrotizing enterocolitis and myonecrosis in humans1. Like all bacteria, C. perfringens has the capacity to translocate throughout a deceased body. C. perfringens can be a challenge during the embalming process. It is known to be resistant to formaldehyde, so it requires additional chemicals to limit this destructive bacterium. Frigid STOP (1-STOP-12), contains a chemical specifically developed to kill tissue gas. STOP can be purchased in 16-ounce bottles. Additionally, Frigid offers 36+ (1-36PL), an arterial fluid that has 10% STOP in its formulation; and Premium Cavity (1-PREMCAV), which also has STOP in it. This additive is great for cases where you might not suspect tissue gas but want the added security that it will not spread if it is present. Increased Insect Infestation As the temperature rises, so does the number of insects that are attracted to decomposing tissue. During summer months, many species of insect can become problematic: flies and ants among others. It is widely known that fly larva can survive on embalmed tissue. This can be particularly problematic during the summer months when flies and other insects are more prevalent. Frigid STOP (1-STOP-12) is also effective at killing insects and larva including maggots that are known to be particularly tenacious. It is also suggested to seal off orifices, such as the nostrils and mouth, to prevent the deposition of fly eggs. In summary, the heat of summer can have a significant impact on decedent care. Temperature increases can accelerate decomposition, increase bacterial growth, and lead to a higher likelihood of insect infestation.   Yoa, P., & Annamaraju, P. (n.d.). Clostridium Perfringens. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559049/1

Embalming can have many challenges, but your tools should not be one of them.

Embalming is the process of preserving a deceased person's body to provide emotional support for the family of the deceased.  Embalming can present several hurdles, among them the following.

I will celebrate 30 years in the funeral industry!  My career over the years has been varied, but the bulk of my experience was and continues to be focused on the preparation room and decedent care.  I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with professionals across the globe who inherently know embalming is an important and respected profession that helps families honor and remember their loved ones.  It takes a special kind of person to have the skills and compassion to do this work.

Every embalmer knows that decubitus ulcers can be common these days. Decubitus ulcers, also known as pressure sores, are areas of damaged skin and underlying tissues that develop when there has been prolonged pressure on the skin. These sores can be common in individuals who may not be able to reposition themselves frequently enough, such as those who are bedridden or restricted to a wheelchair.

Mold is an increasing problem in funeral homes and specifically decedent care today. The pre- and post-embalming holding times of deceased have increased. Typically, decedents are held in refrigeration in plastic or have plastic placed over viewing portions to protect the face. While this is a good practice, the plastic covering can cause precipitation of moisture to collect on the face and hands, setting up a prime condition for the expansion of spores and the development of mold. But let’s look at a quick overview of mold. Mold is a fungal growth that forms and spreads on various kinds of damp or decaying organic matter. No indoor space is completely free from mold spores – not even a surgical operating room. Molds are everywhere, making our exposure to molds unavoidable. This means spores can be found in hospitals, homes, in your embalming room and refrigeration unit. Additionally, mold can grow on embalmed tissue. Molds are categorized in the Kingdom Fungi. They are also referred to as fungi or mildew. They are multicellular but are neither plants nor animals and multiply by producing microscopic spores similar to the seeds produced by plants. In addition to spores the mold structure also includes hyphae. Hyphae are the portion of mold that embeds into the tissue of the deceased creating a very stubborn discoloration that is often bleached and requires the application of cosmetics. To prevent the development of hyphae and the need for bleaching and cosmetics it is important to limit the expansion of spores. Here are my suggestions for stopping spores from growing into mold on the deceased. When the decedent arrives at your funeral home, during the intake process, liberally apply a topical disinfecting spray like Orifice Guard (1-ORIFG) to destroy spores. Orifice Guard contains Isopropyl Alcohol which is known to be highly effective at killing spores. Application should cover the entire body and the lining of the plastic if the plastic will remain on the deceased, for example a body bag. If mold is already visible, apply Orifice Guard liberally and carefully wipe the mold away. Take caution to disrupt the epidermis as little as possible. Doing so can create moist areas for more mold development or conversely dehydration. If the body is going to be held for a period, I suggest applying Antiseptic Velva Cream (1-CREAVELV). This is a unique offering from Frigid. This mixture of massage cream with antiseptic is a great way to disinfect spores and limit mold development. In the post embalming phase. I like to apply Antiseptic Velva Cream to every deceased. Again, this is a great product that will limit dehydration and destroy mold forming spores. If the body will be held for a long period of time, regularly replace the Antiseptic Velva Cream to the face, hands and anywhere else you have applied it initially. As with any antiseptic, there is a loss of efficacy over time when exposed to microbial growth and the environment. I would also regularly replace any plastic coverings as they may harbor spores. Mold can be stubborn and create a situation that creates additional steps to create a suitable memory picture for the families you serve. To eliminate these extra steps, stay vigilant and shore your decedent care with Frigid embalming supplies to prevent mold formation.

It is caused by bacteria that enter the body through a wound or other means and can quickly spread, leading to severe tissue damage and sometimes even amputation or death.