skillfactor-pipeline/skills/embalmer/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — embalmer

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 39-4011.00 (Embalmers).

Task statements

• [Core] Remove the deceased from place of death and transport to funeral home.
• [Core] Clean and disinfect areas in which bodies are prepared and embalmed.
• [Core] Conform to laws of health and sanitation and ensure that legal requirements concerning embalming are met.
• [Core] Apply cosmetics to impart lifelike appearance to the deceased.
• [Core] Incise stomach and abdominal walls and probe internal organs, using trocar, to withdraw blood and waste matter from organs.
• [Core] Close incisions, using needles and sutures.
• [Core] Reshape or reconstruct disfigured or maimed bodies when necessary, using dermasurgery techniques and materials such as clay, cotton, plaster of Paris, and wax.
• [Core] Make incisions in arms or thighs and drain blood from circulatory system and replace it with embalming fluid, using pump.
• [Core] Dress bodies and place them in caskets.
• [Core] Perform the duties of funeral directors, including coordinating funeral activities.
• [Core] Join lips, using needles and thread or wire.
• [Core] Conduct interviews to arrange for the preparation of obituary notices, to assist with the selection of caskets or urns, and to determine the location and time of burials or cremations.
• [Core] Attach trocar to pump-tube, start pump, and repeat probing to force embalming fluid into organs.
• [Core] Perform special procedures necessary for remains that are to be transported to other states or overseas, or where death was caused by infectious disease.
• [Core] Maintain records, such as itemized lists of clothing or valuables delivered with body and names of persons embalmed.
• [Core] Insert convex celluloid or cotton between eyeballs and eyelids to prevent slipping and sinking of eyelids.
• [Core] Wash and dry bodies, using germicidal soap and towels or hot air dryers.
• [Core] Arrange for transporting the deceased to another state for interment.
• [Core] Supervise funeral attendants and other funeral home staff.
• [Core] Pack body orifices with cotton saturated with embalming fluid to prevent escape of gases or waste matter.
• [Core] Assist with placing caskets in hearses and organize cemetery processions.
• [Core] Serve as pallbearers, attend visiting rooms, and provide other assistance to the bereaved.
• [Core] Direct casket and floral display placement and arrange guest seating.
• [Core] Arrange funeral home equipment and perform general maintenance.
• [Supplemental] Assist coroners at death scenes or at autopsies, file police reports, and testify at inquests or in court, if employed by a coroner.
• [Supplemental] Press diaphragm to evacuate air from lungs.

Detailed work activities

• Apply cleansing or conditioning agents to client hair, scalp, or skin.
• Apply decorative or textured finishes or coverings.
• Apply makeup to alter or enhance appearance.
• Arrange items for use or display.
• Assist practitioners to perform medical procedures.
• Clean facilities or equipment.
• Clean work areas.
• Collect information from people through observation, interviews, or surveys.
• Direct funeral or mortuary activities.
• Embalm corpses.
• File documents or records.
• Handle caskets.
• Maintain client information or service records.
• Monitor operations to ensure compliance with safety or security policies or regulations.
• Perform basic equipment maintenance.
• Supervise service workers.
• Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
• Transport biological or other medical materials.