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Apprenticeship training course

Embalmer (level 5)

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Information about Embalmer (level 5)

To preserve, sanitise and present a deceased person, ensuring confidentiality, minimising risks to public heath and assisting the bereaved by contributing to a healthy grieving process.

Knowledge, skills and behaviours
View knowledge, skills and behaviours

Knowledge

  • Industry standards, regulations and legislation, where to access information and how to implement in your work
  • Organisational policies, protocols and procedures for embalmers and the embalming cases they perform.
  • The procedures for ordering supplies and use of preferred suppliers
  • Required stock levels for embalming consumables and sundries in line with scope of practice including management of stock levels
  • Dealing with incidents and accidents in the embalming theatre
  • Implications of variations in size and weight of the deceased on the embalming process
  • How to act within own scope of practice and who to escalate any issues to
  • Specific needs of clients, the deceased person or next of kin e.g. religious, cultural, age, gender requirements and the restrictions these may impose on the embalming process
  • Products, methods and equipment for effective post-embalming cleaning, sterilisation and disinfection including the management of general and hazardous waste
  • The importance of choosing the appropriate methods and tools for communicating with all stakeholders, clients or colleagues adapting style and technique to suit the specific situation
  • The importance of keeping up-to-date with embalming knowledge, techniques and equipment and how to research this information
  • Coaching and mentoring techniques
  • History of embalming, the reasons for modern embalming, the psychological implications of death and the role of the embalmer.
  • How cytology, histology, microbiology and pathology apply to the embalming process
  • Requirements for the safe use, dilution, storage, contact time, protective personal equipment and mixing of chemicals and disinfectants in embalming
  • Constituents and properties of embalming fluids and chemical terminology in embalming
  • How an embalming theatre is designed including temperature control and ventilation, equipment, instruments and consumables and how to use them safely during the embalming process
  • Anatomy and physiology relevant to the embalming process
  • Systems in the body that impact the embalming process
  • Natural changes and stages that occur after death and how they impact on embalming
  • Pre-embalming operational techniques and procedures for adult and child autopsy and non-autopsy cases
  • Embalming operational techniques and procedures for autopsy or non-autopsy cases, in relation to the contextual requirements of the deceased person e.g. adult or child
  • Pre embalming of special conditions, for autopsy or non-autopsy cases in relation to the contextual requirements of the deceased person e.g. adult or child
  • Post embalming operational techniques and procedures for autopsy or non-autopsy cases, in relation to the contextual requirements of the deceased person e.g. adult or child
  • Systems and technology that supports embalming case recording
  • Key requirements, information and correct process for how and when to complete a risk assessment in the embalming workplace

Skills

  • Carry out pre embalming operational techniques for autopsy or non-autopsy cases in relation to the contextual requirements of the deceased person e.g. adult or child
  • Carry out embalming operational techniques and procedures for autopsy or non-autopsy cases, in relation to the contextual requirements of the deceased person e.g. adult or child
  • Carry out pre embalming of special conditions operational techniques and procedures for autopsy or non-autopsy cases in relation to the contextual requirements of the deceased person e.g. adult or child
  • Carry out post embalming operational techniques and procedures for autopsy or non-autopsy cases, in relation to the contextual requirements of the deceased person e.g. adult or child
  • Apply local standard operating procedures to embalming activities including monitoring and maintaining the safety and hygienic condition of the embalming theatre and equipment
  • Manage and monitor the repair and replacement of damaged equipment in the embalming theatre
  • Ensure the embalming theatre is safe and ready to use
  • Manage, order and monitor stock rotation and control in line with organisational requirements
  • Carry out audit planning and reporting in accordance with scope of practice
  • Ensure that the correct identification of the deceased and recording of personal effects has been carried out in accordance with local standard operating procedures and report any anomalies
  • Undertake the deceased person or their next of kin instructions, following conditions pertaining to religious and cultural requirements, cause of death, infection risk, funeral date and any further information that may impact the embalming process
  • Complete risk assessments on equipment and embalming room environment as per local standard operating procedures
  • Remove from the deceased, safely dispose of or return soiled items according to legislation and local standard operating procedures
  • Adapt workload based on initial assessment of the deceased, business and client requirements, timescales and in collaboration with the wider team
  • Adapt methods and styles of communication to suit the needs of individuals
  • Ensure all legal and organisational paperwork is completed, reporting any risks and discrepancies where appropriate
  • Manage, monitor and carry out cleaning schedule in line with local standard operating procedures, reporting risks and issues, escalating where appropriate
  • Manage the standard of care within the embalming theatre challenging inappropriate behaviour and practice, identifying training needs and reporting where appropriate
  • Role model best practice and actively seek out areas for continuous professional and personal development
  • Use technology safely and securely when using, recording and storing embalming case data and information related to the deceased and clients in line with the General Data Protection Regulation requirements, and standard operating procedures
  • Safe use, mixing and handling of chemicals and disinfectants when completing embalming processes

Behaviours

  • Professional, respectful and considerate of the diverse needs of individuals
  • Treat colleagues, clients and the deceased with dignity, empathy and sensitivity at all times
  • Be adaptable, resilient, flexible and able to multi-task
  • Adopt critical thinking to judge situations and solve problems as they arise
Apprenticeship category (sector)
Health and science
Qualification level
5
Equal to higher national diploma (HND)
Course duration
36 months
Maximum funding
£20,000
Maximum government funding for
apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
Job titles include
  • Embalmer

View more information about Embalmer (level 5) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.