When a person dies, the embalmer prepares the body for burial. This is not done with long-term preservation as a goal, but simply to prevent deterioration during the period before the funeral and to improve the condition of the body, should family members wish a viewing. The work can be very creative and artistic, finding ways to restore bodies to a natural appearance. It involves working with precision tools and instruments, following rules in a highly organized process. Tasks include:

• cosmetic or restorative work to improve appearance

• post-trauma facial reconstruction

• embalming and preserving the body, removing body fluids and injecting preservative chemicals, disinfecting and sanitizing

• dressing the deceased and placing the body in the casket

• keeping records and assisting in funeral home maintenance

Sometimes the embalmer also serves as funeral director, caring for all aspects of funeral preparation and helping families complete necessary paperwork.