Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply an understanding of human body structure, systems and terminology as they relate to embalming. It applies to embalming staff who work autonomously with a high level of responsibility and work according to work health and safety, relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Apply anatomical and physiological terminology to the embalming process. | 1.1 Recognise the structures and functions of the body in relation to embalming. 1.2 Locate and explain the circulatory and lymphatic systems in terms of their importance to embalming. |
2. Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology to the embalming process. | 2.1 Locate and examine the arterial sites used for injecting embalming fluid during the embalming process. 2.2 Locate and examine the venous sites used for draining venous fluid during the embalming process. 2.3 Locate and examine the organs treated during the embalming process. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
use anatomical and physiological terminology as they apply to the embalming process
apply knowledge of the structure and functions of anatomy and physiology to the embalming process.
Evidence of performance of applying anatomy and physiology principles to the embalming process on two or more occasions is required to demonstrate consistency of performance and ability to respond to different situations.
Evidence of Knowledge
Demonstrated knowledge of:
anatomy and physiology terminology as it relates to embalming
anatomy and physiology as it relates to embalming, including:
the structural levels of organisation in the study of anatomy and physiology
the functions of the internal transportation systems of the body
the gas exchange that occurs within the respiratory system
role of the nervous system
role of the musculo-skeletal system
body systems in regard to their interdependence and relationship to the muscles and nerves as related to the embalming process:
skeletal and muscular, including muscle contractibility and motor points
lymphatic, digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems
arterial sites and venous sites used for injecting embalming fluid
physical and chemical changes that occur after death and their possible impact on the embalming process.
Assessment Conditions
Skills must be demonstrated in a mortuary workplace or in a simulated environment that is as industry realistic as possible. In a simulated environment, it is essential that assessment is conducted:
using suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:
a mortuary environment
deceased bodies or models of deceased bodies
mortuary instruments and equipment including personal protective equipment and chemicals
under industry operating conditions where there is:
integration of tasks with possible interruptions to work typical of the job role
As well as satisfying the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements, assessors must also be a qualified embalmer.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance in this unit, but not explicit in the performance criteria are listed below:
Learning skills to interpret and organise anatomical and physiological theories.
Sectors
Embalming
Competency Field
Mortuary Work and Embalming