Mortuary Science Ireland Ltd.

Embalming Qualification

British Institute of Embalmers (BIE)

Mortuary Science Ireland Ltd is a Mortuary services company and embalming school (B.I.E. accredited tutor Cyril Gantley). It is bound by the rules and regulations of the British Institute of Embalmers. On completion of our Embalming qualification course, students are then invited to apply for membership to the British Institute of Embalmers. This course is modular based and is delivered through both classroom and mortuary attendance. All exams are independently assessed and graded by the International Examinations Board of Embalmers. On completion of all five academic modules, you will be then examined on your practical embalming skills. There are two practical exams to complete, the embalming of a non autopsied case and the embalming of an autopsied case.

Short Syllabus (Abbreviated Content) BIE

Module 1

  • History of embalming
  • Reasons for embalming
  • BIE – code of ethics /committees etc
  • Procedures required for embalming – legalities
  • Sociological and Psychological
  • Effects of Grief Life and death definitions
  • Health and safety Manual handling
  • COSHH Health and safety re: formaldehyde
  • Personal protective equipment PPE
  • Environmental protection act
  • REACH
  • First aid regulations
  • Immunity
  • Mathematics

 

Module 2 unit 1

  • Techniques used in modern embalming
  • Body cavities
  • Directional terms
  • Cytology
  • Abnormal cell division
  • Histology
  • Disorders of cells and tissues

 

Module 2 unit 2

  • Diffusion and osmosis
  • Elements compounds mixtures and solutions
  • Embalming chemicals

 

Module 2 unit 3

  • Disease aetiology
  • Senescence
  • Microbiology
  • Sterilization and disinfection
  • The embalming theatre

 

Module 3 unit 1

  • Skeletal system
  • Histology of bone
  • Classification of bone

 

Module 3 unit 2

  • Circulatory system
  • Structure of blood
  • Disorders of blood
  • The heart Blood vessels

 

Module 3 unit 3

  • Arteries of systemic circulation
  • Veins of the systemic circulation
  • Pulmonary circulation
  • Hepatic portal circulation
  • Anastomoses
  • Disorders of the blood vessels
  • Lymphatics system
  • Homeostasis

Module 4 unit 1

  • Respiratory system
  • Disorders of the respiratory system
  • Digestive system
  • Functions of the liver
  • Urinary system
  • Nervous system
  • Disorders of the nervous system
  • Endocrine system

 

Module 4 unit 2

  • Surface anatomy

 

Module 4 unit 3

  • Post mortem changes and discolouration
  • Rigor mortis
  • Hypostasis
  • Haemolysis
  • Post mortem clots
  • Decomposition, fermentation and putrefaction
  • Process of decomposition

Module 5 unit 1

  • Embalming chemicals
  • Pre-embalming considerations
  • Tests for death
  • Mouth closures
  • Removal of surgical devices

 

Module 5 unit 2

  • Choice of vessels for injection and drainage
  • Selection of location of arteries and veins
  • The embalming operation
  • Arterial injection
  • Vein drainage
  • Atrial drainage
  • Aspiration
  • Trocar guides to the organs
  • Closing incisions
  • Embalming an autopsy case

 

Module 5 unit 3

  • Embalming special conditions
  • Purge Skin damage/ skin slip
  • Total chemical embalming
  • Organ donation
  • Partial autopsy
  • Reconstruction case
  • Cerebral haemorrhage
  • Ruptured aortic aneurysm
  • Bariatric case
  • Dehydrated case
  • Emaciated Cases beyond viewing

 

Module 5 unit 4

  • Embalming completion procedures
  • Suturing techniques
  • Cosmetic considerations
  • Post embalming considerations
  • Preparation for viewing

Students who have successfully completed this course may then apply to become a member of the B.I.E.