1. Identification, Viewing and Personal Effects
Funeral Foundation G2
Identification, Viewing and Personal Effects

2. Learning Outcome 1
Initiate identification procedures

3. IDENTIFICATION
It is not our responsibility to initially identify the deceased.
Identity is usually confirmed by relatives or hospital/nursing staff.
If there is doubt about the identity the Coroner or Police will confirm it before releasing the body to the Funeral Director.
“We all laugh when other companies
arrive at the wrong Crem, or the right Crem, with the wrong body, but the potential for disaster is there for us all, everyday” G2

4. IDENTIFICATION
The Funeral Director’s responsibility is to ensure that the body’s identification is correct throughout the time that the deceased is in their care.
Identification MUST take place at the earliest possible moment. G2

5. IDENTIFICATION Information always recorded. Full name
Take care for similar names
John Smith and Jack Smith
John Brown and Joan Brown
Lesley and Leslie G2

6. IDENTIFICATION Methods of and aids to identification may include:
Wristband
Toe Tag
Mortuary register
Regular checks of identification should be made; before each stage of care. E.g. before hygienic treatment, before placing deceased in coffin, before viewing and before the funeral. G2

7. IDENTIFICATION When should we check ID? With informant at first call
Removal
Arrival at funeral premises/chapel
Embalming & preparation
Preparing coffin/casket
Viewing
Closing coffin
Loading coffin onto hearse

8. IDENTIFICATION Tools for checking ID? Informant/client
Certificates and documents
Mortuary registers
Plates and name tags with paperwork
With funeral order forms/arrangements sheets

9. IDENTIFICATION IS THE RIGHT BODY - IN THE RIGHT COFFIN - IN THE RIGHT
CHAPEL - AT THE RIGHT
CREMATORIUM OR CEMETERY
??????????
CHECK CHECK AND CHECK AGAIN G2

10. Learning Outcome 2
Prepare viewing room in accordance with the religious needs of the bereaved and standards of the company

11. EMBALMING Objectives and Benefits of Embalming Preservation
Presentation
Prevention of Disease

12. EMBALMING
5,000 YEARS AGO THE Egyptians practised various forms of embalming
Modern embalming has it’s roots in the early 18th century.
Arterial embalming discovered by a Dutch Doctor, Frederick Ruysch.
Formaldehyde discovered in late 1860’s, but not used in embalming until early 1900’s

13. EMBALMING
Embalming
A simple clinical procedure which allows the deceased to be presented in a dignified, restful and natural manner.
During this procedure the natural fluids are replaced with a chemical substance, via a small incision into a vein and an artery.

14. EMBALMING
Embalming will render the deceased free from most pathogens and reduces risks to the living.
The procedure allows the deceased to remain in a good condition for a longer period of time.

15. And Major Religions in the UK
Funeral Rites
And Major Religions in the UK

16. Fact: We live in a multicultural Society
Funeral Directors, perhaps more than any other profession, will have regular contact with people of other race, religion, and culture.
We have to deal with the funeral rites, and religious needs of any and all faith groups.

17. In any religion A funeral service is a major rite of passage.
It is vital that we endeavour to understand and support their needs at a time of bereavement.

18. Christian
The name covers a broad variety of cultures, crossing all continents.
In the UK it is estimated that there are up to 220 different Christian denominations, and funeral rituals may differ from church to church.

19. Christian - Protestant
Church of England, Church of Scotland and non-conformists, such as Methodist, Baptist United Reformed, Salvation Army, Quaker and Brethren.
Some, usually regular members of a church, will have a service in a church prior to a committal elsewhere.

20. Christian – Roman Catholic
Greek and Russian Orthodox
Traditional Irish Catholics. Irish Catholics will hold a rosary and a wake.
Most will hold a full mass, although a shorter funeral service may be acceptable.

21. This list is not exhaustive.
Non Christian
Islamic/Muslim
Judaism - Orthodox Jews/Liberal or Reformed Jews
Hindu
Sikh
Buddhism
Church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints – Mormon
Wicca Paganism
This list is not exhaustive.

22. There’s more that unites us, than separates us.
Most world religions are founded on a set of principles on which we base our conduct within society.
Whether we are Christian, Islamic, Jewish or Hindu we have the right to expect that our faith be acknowledged and respected.

23. Non Religious Funerals
Alternative Funeral Service
Civil Funerals
Humanist
No service
Use of Music & Poetry

24. Green Funerals Coffins & Casket choices Know what they are
Burial sites – Woodland Burials
Know where they are G2

25. Learning Outcome 3
Handle and record personal effects and valuables according to company policy.

26. Learning Outcome 4
Check deceased, coffin and room prior to viewing

27. VIEWING
THE COFFIN:
should be the type selected by the client with the correct furniture
should be the correct length and width for the size of the deceased, and have sufficient depth.
The nameplate should be checked for accuracy

28. VIEWING
The Deceased:
Should be correctly clothed, either in the garments provided by the client or a clean suitable gown.
Clothing should not appear bunched or wrinkled.
Jewellery and identification should be checked before being moved into a viewing chapel

29. VIEWING
The Chapel:
Should be clean and tidy with religious symbols displayed or removed as appropriate.
Lighting set at the correct level
If flowers are used they should be checked for freshness.
Check name on door (If used)
No unpleasant odours

30. Learning Outcome 5
Treat mourners with respect and dignity.

31. The Mourners Give them enough time, they shouldn’t feel rushed.
If possible a chair provide chair in chapel.
Allow them time to compose themselves before leaving.
If appropriate - offer refreshments