October 2021

Page A16 OCTOBER 2021 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS Se c t i on A “Quite Possibly America’s Finest Line of Professional Cosmetics” • Cover Cremes • Lip Color • Liquid Tints • Powder • Brushes • Wax www.derma-pro.net 1-800-531-9744 Fax 903-641-0383 E-Mail: sales@derma-pro.net By Wally Hooker, CFSP, MBIE As I look back 25-30 years, I vividly recall the very first “recovered body” I was trusted to prepare. Back then, it was routinely eye enucleation and a thin layer of skin from the front of the legs that were literally shaved with a device called a Dermatome. The thin “burn layer” of skin was used as dressing for burn patients. Our mortuary college education had prepared us for the challenges we would face in our embalming rooms, and this was simply a learn- ing curve. This was a time before mortuary science pro- grams had this type of body preparation included in their curriculums. I guess you could say we learned “on the fly.” Most of us embalmers at that time relied on our chemical reps for advice on techniques and proper chemicals to be used for this type of reconstruction. For any of these types of recoveries, back then as well as today, preservation and leakage mitigation/prevention were of utmost importance as we prepared for open casket services. But 25-30 years ago, we were ill prepared for the task at hand. We had never faced, nor had been trained/ educated on the proper handling of these types of cases. Back in the day, we would treat the eye socket with chemicals we had on hand, in an attempt to cauter- ize and stop/prevent leakage. Following treatment, we would dry the socket with cotton repeatedly until we no longer noticed any fluid. We weren’t as concerned with the recovery sites on the legs, because plastic garments would “save the day!” I remember using various concoc- tions on the legs to dry out those recovered areas. As I look back, it was pretty basic, compared to the tasks we face today with the invasive recoveries we see more often. Cornea removal or entire eye enucleation varies among OPOs. When the entire eye ball is removed, it is com- mon to find a plastic prosthetic device replacing the eye. In my estimation, you are asking for trouble if you don’t remove this and attempt to dry the eye socket. Following drying the area, I suggest using a cauterant to stop leakage from the tiny vessels or tissue that could have been severed during the recovery. My usual protocol is using cotton rolled tightly into a ball similar in size to the eye. I gently manipulate it into the eye socket and form it to a natural shape. The goal should be to ensure the upper and lower eyelids are in proper alignment and create a pleasing appearance and natural position for closure. I use a small syringe and 18-gauge needle to intro- duce the cauterizing chemical into the cotton inside the eye socket. I find this method – using the syringe after placing the cotton into the socket – lessens the probability of drip- ping strong chemicals, that could cause unwanted bleaching or dehydration, on the delicate tissue of the eyelids and face. For another measure of protection (yes, veteran embalm- ers take extra precautions, because they’ve learned from bad experiences in the past) I use massage cream around the pe- rimeter of the eye, in case of any leakage of the cauterizing chemical. Using my chemical of choice, I leave the treated cotton ball in the eye socket for about 30 minutes to thor- oughly treat and saturate the tissue. Following the chemical treatment, I suggest placing a fresh ball of cotton placed into the eye socket to ensure it is dry, if there appears to be no further leakage. If you’ve found any further leakage, take the time to reapply a cauterizing chem- ical to keep the possibility of leakage to a minimum. No practitioner likes surprises or the embarrassment of soiled clothing, casket interior or the family seeing it. The emo- tional distress of a visible problem could lead to a strained relationship with the family you are serving, or worse yet, they seek civil damages for pain and suffering. All too often we hear of these things happening and they can be avoided. Over-manipulation of the eyelids can create problems for Embalming 101 proper closing and a natural appearance. If possible, use your fingers rather than pulling and tugging on them with forceps. The application of a humectant or massage cream is recommended to protect the delicate tissue. During the arterial embalming, watch closely for any new leakage that may develop. Not much can be done during the embalming if a leak develops. If leakage oc- curs you will need to gently remove the cotton or pros- thetic to treat the problem. (This is very good example as to why I strongly suggest not using adhesives to close eyes and lips prior to embalming). If you must take this step, after the socket is again treated and dry, use a small amount of adhesive/accelerant where the optic nerve en- ters as added protection. A small amount of incision seal powder in the bottom of the eye socket is an added level of protection. By paying close attention and taking precautionary steps, you should not have problems with further leakage. Next month we will discuss treatment of the recov- ered body. Until then, be safe and remember to wash your hands! Dealing with Donor Cases (Part 2) Wallace P. (Wally) Hooker CFSP, MBIE, is the owner, funeral direc - tor and embalmer of Family & Friends Funeral Home of Wingate, IN. He and his wife, Janet designed, established and built their funeral home in 2004. Wally is a graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science, where he serves on the Advisory Board. He is Past President of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association and board member of North American Division of the British Institute of Embalmers. In ad - dition, he has served as chief deputy coroner/investigator of Fountain County, IN for the last 24 years. F U N E R A L H O M E & C E M E T E R Y N E W S w w w . N o m i s P u b l i c a t i o n s . c o m Monthly Columns online at Learn. Grow. Achieve. Show your devotion to your profession and let them know you’re the best you can be. Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice www.apfsp.org After 59 Years, Senate Bill 2571 Gives the Families of Flying Tiger Line Flight 739 A New Hope Tiger Flight Monument Morrill Worcester COLUMBIA FALLS,ME— Very little is known about what happened to Flying Tiger Line Flight 739, a military mission plane that went missing on March 16, 1962, with 93 US Army Soldiers on board and 11 crew members. Due to the complexities surrounding the mission, the names of all those who have been lost have not yet been added to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. Howev- er, just recently, the families of those lost received the good news that U.S. Senator Gary Peters introduced a bill to al- low those who served onboard Flying Tiger Line Flight (FTLF) 739 to finally have their names placed on the Viet- nam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. This bill introduction stems from a kind gesture by Wreaths Across America Founder Morrill Worcester. On May 15, 2021, Mr. Worchester donated land from his prop- erty known as “The Tip-land” in Columbia Falls, ME. The Continued on Page A18 Tip-land is where balsam trees are sustainably managed and pruned once every three years to make veterans’ remem- brance wreaths to be placed on the headstones of our na- tion’s heroes onWreaths Across America Day (December 18, 2021). On the land he donated, a monument to FTLF 739 was erected and all known living family and descendants of the ill-fated flight were invited to attend its unveiling. This simple gesture became a media sensation, as al- most 2000 articles (Radio, TV, Newspaper, and inter-