Embalmer

Embalmers prepare the bodies of dead people before their funeral. Embalming is carried out to preserve the body from the time of death until the funeral, to present the body in a natural, lifelike way and to prevent any infection spreading to relatives and funeral staff.

The role of an embalmer usually involves:

• injecting a disinfecting chemical into the arterial system of the deceased
• removing fluids from the deceased and washing the body with germicidal soap
• using wax and plaster of Paris to restore parts of the body, if the body has severe injuries, and using make-up to give the restored parts a lifelike colour
• washing and drying the hair, and sometimes applying light make-up to the face.

Some embalmers are employed by firms of funeral directors and combine the work with other roles, such as funeral administrator or pallbearer. Others specialise in embalming.

Embalmers generally work 37 to 39 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Overtime and part-time work are possible. They work in a clinically clean environment in a slightly lower than normal room temperature. They spend long periods standing and bending, and wear protective clothing, such as rubber boots, gloves and a theatre gown.

Embalmers may earn from around £12,500 to over £30,000 a year.

An embalmer should:

• be sensitive to other people's feelings
• not be squeamish
• have good hand skills for using tools and surgical instruments
• have an interest in science, particularly chemistry and anatomy.

There are embalmers throughout the UK. Some are employed by a firm of funeral directors. Others are self-employed and work for several funeral directors. Staff turnover is low and it can be a difficult area of work to enter.

No formal qualifications are required for entering embalming. Some employers may prefer applicants with GCSEs (A*-C), including English, or equivalent qualifications.

Training is mainly on the job, with part-time tuition. Most embalmers work for qualifications awarded by the International Examinations Board of Embalmers (IEBE). Study areas include anatomy, physiology, bacteriology and practical embalming.

Embalmers may be able to progress to work as a funeral director. Some embalmers become self-employed, set up their own business or become partners in an existing firm. It may be possible to work overseas. Some embalmers train for work in specialist areas, such as restorative or reconstruction work.

Further details