Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to identify and perform the most appropriate arterial embalming procedures and techniques on autopsied cases based on body condition, including babies and infants up to 2 years of age. It applies to embalming staff responsible for carrying out arterial embalming on autopsied cases as part of the embalming process. It involves working autonomously with a high level of responsibility and according to and 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. Prepare to perform arterial embalming. | 1.1 Prepare and use personal protective equipment. 1.2 Prepare mortuary area and appropriate mortuary instruments and equipment. 1.3 Identify type of autopsy performed and evaluate embalming implications. 1.4 Remove invasive and non invasive medical paraphernalia as required. 1.5 Remove all autopsy sutures using appropriate techniques. 1.6 Remove viscera bag and clean, disinfect and dry viscera. |
2. Perform arterial embalming procedures. | 2.1 Locate vessels to be used for arterial injection and drainage using appropriate techniques. 2.2 Mix and prepare arterial embalming chemicals according to pre-embalming case analysis. 2.3 Determine injection pressure and rate of flow according to pre-embalming case analysis. 2.4 Inject identified vessels. 2.5 Maintain effectiveness of distribution and diffusion of arterial injection by massage of the limbs, hands, feet, neck and face. 2.6 Maintain suitable drainage into cavity. 2.7 Identify and raise secondary injection sites as required. 2.8 Apply alternative treatments for areas not reached by arterial fluid using appropriate methods. 2.9 Return viscera to body cavity using appropriate techniques. 2.10 Apply appropriate suturing techniques to re-suture all autopsy incisions. 2.11 Re-cleanse and disinfect the body. 2.12 Identify and manage hazards, complications and problems. |
3. Complete post-embalming case analysis and clean instruments, equipment and mortuary area. | 3.1 Perform case analysis to evaluate success of the procedure and determine implications for further embalming procedures. 3.2 Complete case analysis report that includes reference to any complications that may have arisen and corrective actions taken. 3.3 Clean, disinfect or sterilise instruments and equipment. 3.4 Dispose of waste as appropriate. 3.5 Store instruments and equipment and report faults. 3.6 Clean and disinfect mortuary area. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
identify treatment requirements through a pre-embalming case analysis
perform arterial treatments on autopsied cases using correct techniques and following work health and safety/occupational health and safety and infection control practices
prepare mortuary area and select and use the required instruments and equipment
clean, disinfect and sterilise the mortuary area, instruments and equipment and complete a case analysis report at conclusion of the treatment.
Evidence of performance of performing arterial treatment of autopsied cases on ten or more occasions is required to demonstrate consistency of performance and ability to respond to different situations.
Evidence of Knowledge
Demonstrated knowledge of:
requirements for preparing the mortuary facility
mortuary equipment, instruments and materials and associated uses
process for body examination using non-invasive observation techniques, including:
checking for no pulse
looking for fixed and dilated pupils
circulatory and lymphatic systems in terms of their importance to embalming
arterial sites used for injecting embalming fluid
physical and chemical changes and their possible impact on the embalming process
effects of embalming on various causes of death, medical treatments and procedures
concept and types of autopsies, and embalming implications for different types of autopsy procedures, including:
order for preparation
fluid strength
use of dyes
pressure and rates of flow
drainage
techniques for dealing with:
cranial autopsies
thoracic autopsies
abdominal autopsies
infant or child autopsies
homicide autopsies
preparation of autopsied bodies
range of invasive and non
anatomical references for locating arteries to be injected
alternative treatments for areas not reached by arterial fluid that may include hypodermic injection, internal packs, preservative gels and external gels
venous sites used for draining venous fluids
various suture techniques that may be used
funeral services industry parameters and protocols for dealing with the deceased, including social, cultural and religious considerations
federal, state or territory, and local government legislation and regulations in relevant to work health and safety/occupational health and safety, infection control and handling human remains
environmental impacts regarding embalming procedures and minimal impact practices to reduce these
environmentally sound disposal methods for all types of waste and in particular for hazardous substances
workplace policies and procedures in relation to performing arterial embalming.
Assessment Conditions
Skills must be demonstrated in a mortuary workplace:
using suitable equipment and resources, including:
deceased bodies of autopsied cases requiring arterial embalming
mortuary instruments and equipment including personal protective equipment, chemicals and cleansing and disinfecting products
under industry operating conditions where there is:
integration of tasks with possible interruptions to work typical of the job role
speed and timing requirements that reflect commercial operating conditions
As well as satisfying the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements, assessors must also hold formal qualifications as an 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:
Reading skills to interpret work health and safety and infection control legislation.
Numeracy skills to calculate ratio for disinfecting instruments and equipment.
Sectors
Embalming
Competency Field
Mortuary Work and Embalming