Doctors In Balasore for Embalming: How And Why It Is Done?

Odisha Chief Secretary PK Jena on Monday said a team of doctors and forensic experts from top Central Government hospitals arrived in Balasore from Delhi to preserve the bodies through embalming and conduct post mortem.

So far 151 bodies have been identified out of the 275 dead in the train accident in Balasore, he said.

So, What Is Embalming?

Embalming is the process employed to preserve the body after the death to delay decomposition. For thousands of years, human beings have practiced embalming in various forms as a means to delay the decomposition of the human body after death.

Why It Is Done?

Embalming serves to prolong the natural process of decay, offering the opportunity to spend an extended period viewing your departed loved one. Consequently, embalming becomes a viable choice if the burial is scheduled weeks later and you or other mourners wish to have a viewing.

How Embalming Is Done?

There are two primary methods of embalming: arterial and cavity embalming. Arterial embalming involves the replacement of blood with embalming fluids, while cavity embalming entails draining and filling the abdomen and chest.

Prior to initiating the embalming process, the deceased individual undergoes a thorough washing with a disinfectant solution. Additionally, a gentle massage is administered to alleviate any rigor mortis, which is the stiffening of muscles and joints that occurs after death. Finally, the eyes and mouth are closed to achieve a peaceful appearance.

During arterial embalming, the blood is extracted through the veins and substituted with embalming fluids through the arteries. Embalming solutions typically comprise a blend of formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, methanol, ethanol, phenol, and water.

In the case of cavity embalming, a small incision is made to drain the natural fluids present in the chest and abdomen. These fluids are subsequently replaced with an embalming solution, and the incision is carefully closed.

Once the embalming process is concluded, it is common practice to undertake cosmetic preparations for the purpose of viewing. This involves another round of washing the deceased individual, dressing them, grooming their hair, and applying makeup.