Texas Funeral Continuing Education

Above Ground: Anatomical Embalming Roles in Society outlines the underexposed field of anatomical embalming in the mortuary industry. The course elaborates on its history, its comparison to traditional funeral home embalming, and educational and environmental benefits of anatomical embalming.

Funeral directors and embalmers often play an active role in the aftermath of mass fatality incidents (MFIs). This course will define MFIs and their classification levels, as well as the preparation, consideration, coordination, and communication required to best serve the victims and families affected. 

When a member of the Military is killed in action, the death can be a tragic and devastating loss for the family, the comrades, the friends, and the country. When a member of law enforcement, fire service, or emergency medical service is killed in the line of duty, the tragic loss is felt by the family, the professional family, and the community who was served. The funeral service for a person killed in action or in the line of duty can be more detailed and complex than other funeral arrangements. This course is designed to aid funeral directors in understanding many of the honors and traditions used in these types of service. The content of this course will include the origin and symbolism of many funeral honors observed, discuss the detailed planning required to properly arrange these types of services, and serve in preparing directors to serve the ones affected by Military and Line of Duty Deaths.   

Opioids are pain relievers administered through prescriptions. When someone takes too many opioids or reaches a tolerance threshold, an overdose occurs. With the increase of opioid deaths in the United States, it is imperative that the death-care industry recognizes and respects the hidden dangers. The funeral arrangements, visitation, and funeral can be complicated because of the circumstances surrounding the death. Opioids can affect the vessels and tissues of the body and cause embalming issues for embalmers. Funeral directors and embalmers need to be aware of safety procedures before embalming and to incorporate strict personal protective equipment. There are different embalming techniques for embalming an individual who was on opioids at the time of death as well as those who have overdosed on opioids. This course will also describe strategies to help combat overdoses in the funeral home.

Funeral service professionals serve surviving family members who have experienced a loss with compassionate care. When the loss of a loved one is due to suicide, the grief response of survivors can be more complex and complicated than that of an accident, homicide, or natural death. Funeral directors can better serve suicide survivors by recognizing the complex emotions and feelings that may be experienced. Preparing and providing resources for survivors can be dramatically beneficial in their journey to healing and finding a new normal in their life.