Tips For Removals (Bringing the Deceased into the Care of the Funeral Home)- Throwback Thursday

[@garypugh6657]

My mom died in a hospital 60 miles from the town she lived In, so I had to sit alone with her for over 2 hours for the guy to come pick her up. When he finally arrived he was by himself, so I helped him move her from the bed onto the gurney. And I walked with him and her to the elevator and down to the garage floor and I again helped him place her in the van. I was shocked how heavy she was to be so small. But Im Glad I did it because it was my final act of caring for her.

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you for sharing your story

[@parler8698]

🫂 hugs 🫂

[@callmegayass]

that is beautiful. i’m a removal tech and i always love when the families help with the removal. i know how special those final moments can be

[@judithreyes4664]

I’m so sorry for your loss.. That was nice of you to help

[@TheFreddo12]

That was what the funeral directors asked of us when they came to pick up our mother 3 years ago. "are you ready for us to take your mother into our care?" very professional. thank you for starting off this video this way

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you for sharing

[@zombiemom6701]

That’s what the funeral director said to me two weeks ago when my mother died. I remember remarking to him that I appreciated that verbiage. Because even though my mom was gone and it was just an empty vessel, it was still a very precious vessel to me. And I was literally handing over the body of one of the people I love most on this earth to his care so I want to know he will be gentle and respectful to her.

[@michaelshinn162]

This one is right on Kari. I have done many removals for our family owned FH, I am now a Chaplain and Grief Counselor. The FH person doing the removal needs to be professional above all. The homes in our area all wear black slacks and polo shirts with the FH logo and name on them. I always try to be on hand to help with the removal if necessary, and to accompany the deceased to the vehicle. You only have one chance to make a first impression.

[@KaritheMortician]

Thanks!!

[@leahcookscreates3706]

The funeral home that came and picked up my Dad were so lovely, not only did they honour our request not to cover his face ( we had a lot of young children and we didn't want them to see that. And also when I went back inside after the hearse had left they had left a beautiful rose in the chair he was in when he passed.Such a small gesture and yet it was the one thing during those first few days that kept me going.

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you for sharing!

[@parler8698]

Beautiful

[@WhispersFromTheDark]

I agree with you Kari. Wearing respectful clothing gives comfort and confidence to the Family, showing that you not only respect yourself but what you do (and ultimately respect their loved one). I'm addition, I can't imagine a hospice care worker leaving before the patient has been removed. In my opinion, that's part of the job. To stay with them and transfer care onto the next person. Leaving the deceased with Family to wait for you alone would, in my opinion be dereliction of duty and very cruel to the remaining Family. I couldn't live with myself if I did that. Kari, I appreciate the care and dignity you take for the deceased. When my time comes, I hope someone is there for me that cares the way you do. I just had to say that. Stay safe Hun. And I hope your 'new life and reality' is getting settled in.

[@KaritheMortician]

Yes! Thank you

[@johngrove9274]

Kari, Thank you so much, for sharing and your thoughtfulness .......My Mother passed unexpectedly at home ,but been in poor health for many years . I finally had the release from the Police , and they were very nice . I called the funeral home ,and they said they would be to here home as soon as possible . They said they had several deaths ,so it would take some time . I said I understood and and asked them to call when they were on their way . They called ,I asked if you could please bring her out the back door and please don't put her in a body bag . I was so heart broken and in shock from her passing . We had her nice and cleaned and under garment and her hair was combed in one of her house dresses she had wore . They had her with her favorite blanket and pillow ,just like she was going to the hospital and she looked presentable to leave her home as she always did. . I was so thankful ,that Funeral Home will always get my families business ,they made such are hard time ,so much better for my family .

[@WhispersFromTheDark]

@@johngrove9274 John, I am sorry for your loss. And I am so glad you were able to clean her up and send her off with such love and care. I know she was proud of what you did and arranged. Sounds like she did good raising you. I know I would be. Stay safe Hun.

[@justsayin5609]

Your opinion is not reality based. I was a home palliative care nurse (what you call a hospice nurse in the US) for over two decades. We would typically see numerous clients (8-10+) in a day because we saw them in all phases of their trajectory, whether it was pain/symptom management, emotional support or what have you. When a death occurred, yes the process could take a few hours and accommodations would be made with your teammates. But sometimes a parent would want to spend one last evening with their child, or a family wanted to wait for out of town relatives to come, or the MD would wish to attend to convey their condolences and sign the death certificate. I would make an effort to return for the removal, but it was not always feasible. Rest assured, in most cases the arrangements had already been made because the outcome was inevitable. In the least I would make the first contact with the funeral home to advise removal was required and what the family desired for this. Don't be so judgmental and disparage an entire field of nurses when you have no clue of the facts.

[@rachaeldenning8842]

i love the gentle way you explain things to the family, it would make me feel at ease ❤️

[@KaritheMortician]

Thanks so much

[@Luluisraging.86]

THANK YOU! For discussing all of this! My Dad was a stickler for professionalism. He was a Hospital Administrator. When he passed away, there was one person. He was dressed in a suit. I’m sure hospice had been in touch with him. He was SO professional, and let my brother’s and my sister help transfer him to the cot. While he was in talking with my mom and brothers, with some of the business stuff, I slipped out and sat with my Dad. (I could still hear the discussion, going on in the other room. He was so professional.

[@KaritheMortician]

You are welcome!!

[@lindathorpe3299]

And the ones that’s gots my husband let’s are family spend time as long as Wes needing before they took him or my dad or my mom

[@ARRTY97]

You're so poised and elegant by the way you are giving back these people their dignity in the final phase. Thank you for being so thoughtful and doing what you do.

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you so much!!

[@Alisha_79]

The part about covering with a quilt or flag made me cry. That's soo sweet and caring.❤

[@inkgoddess1966]

I have to say you are so graceful with your words And people are so blessed to have You take care of them.

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you so much!

[@stephanieborkin7087]

Kari - Thank you for channel. It has helped me to understand things surrounding my husband’s death and things I wish I would’ve thought of or known, but it was unexpected at 42 years old. Anyhow, I wanted to tell you that when the ME called me while I was at the funeral home, had the WORST bedside manner. She advised me they were “ done with the body” and to let the funeral home know that they could come get “the body”. I just wanted to scream…”it’s not the body, it’s my husband”. I love your honesty. I love how passionate you are. I thank you for helping me to heal. ♥️

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you so much for the support and for sharing with me!

[@cleopatra1311]

Sun Set Funeral Home was VERY IMPRESSIVE! I was very happy with how they removed my Dad from his home. They Bowed to us, and saluted him. ( Veteran ).🇺🇸

[@KaritheMortician]

Wonderful to hear!

[@Noneck1999]

hi cleopatra

[@pamgladden66]

You are so professional. I love the way you respect and honor the families.

[@KaritheMortician]

thank you!

[@lidiavela7366]

Very good program. I was LVN in nursing home for 10 years and dealt a lot with this. It was always my privilege to help place the person on the cot and "tuck them in". It was the last thing I could do for my little person. Also have dealt with Hospice and helped with the removal of my loved ones at home. Always found the funeral home removal staff very kind and empathetic and professional. Thank you for your programs

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you!

[@TwinLotusBirthing]

As a Last Responder- I appreciate this video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. The wording is so very important and I have been witness to so many in my line of work who are NOT aware of their words. I run my own business and when I started it we decided to do removals in black scrubs with emblem- due to the purge and mess. Many funeral homes have not liked our choice to go this route- but many love it. As a last responder I consider myself to be a medical professional and dress as much. A clean van is absolutely 100% most important! Organized and professional looking van is such a level up in this industry- again so many transport companies do NOT keep their van clean and it is so sleezy to see.

[@KaritheMortician]

Thanks so much!

[@charleswitherell9360]

Kari, I'm a nurse. I entirely agree that courtesy, professionalism, and just plain abundant kindness are ingredients as vital as the knowledge and skill we might bring to family members experiencing the death of a loved one. Every. Single. THING. about you, your movements, your facial expression, will form an indelible impression that can make that horrible day even worse--or perhaps give an instant of comfort. I recall making a home visit to a patient whose family had, after about two weeks without contact with him, called us just to check. I was in the Army at the time and had arrived, as always, in uniform to see this elderly veteran; his son and family drove to the home with his key and admitted me. As he opened the door and I smelled what I'd suspected we'd smell, I asked if I might go inside alone for a moment and discovered the man in the back bedroom, in an advanced state of decomposition but most fortunately completely covered. I examined him briefly to verify that he was deceased, then returned to his family, waiting for me on the porch. We sat together there and I told them that the old gentleman had died. I asked the man's son whether he'd like to come inside with me for a moment to say a goodbye before I began the next steps. When we entered the bedroom, I came to the position of attention and saluted the old veteran. I saw his son and family again at the funeral and he was gracious enough to step over to me, and he told me then that of all the many kindnesses they'd been offered on that day and following, the one that had touched him most deeply had been that salute. The simplest things, Kari, I completely agree. May your good work continue.

[@KaritheMortician]

thank you!!

[@lotstodo]

When my father in law passed in the hospital, the nurses made him look comfortable and peaceful in bed. I really appreciated that.

[@deannaburris905]

I agree with you on clothing. I really like that. It's called respect.

[@KaritheMortician]

Yes!

[@phillyboy_cam215]

Clothing is Clothing to be honest the dead can't judge

[@jamesoestrike2517]

Your compassion and professionalism continue to impress me! Wish some of the people involved in removals would follow your guidelines, just seems the deceased deserves that kind of respect that you preach!

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you!

[@caseybear4517]

Kari, you are so compassionate and respectful in all your videos. It seems you were just meant to do this role! I'm studying nursing and find your insights particularly useful and interesting. Thank you for all your work and for sharing your insights. Hope you are well! Sending love from Australia!

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you so much!

[@justsayin5609]

Please see my reply above to 'Whispers from the Dark' for a bit of a nurse's perspective.

[@KSL1972LLC]

Loved the "freaking out" reference during the decomposition removal. Years back when I was in food service, I learned quickly to not loose composure when employees got cut severely from using a knife or showing disregard for the deli slicer for instance. Even with blood flowing and looky-loos yelping, frantically, those scenarios required one who took charge, applied immediate first aid to injured, isolated all equipment & potential bloodborne pathogens, and directed willing & able helpers. Not to mention calming down the injured. You got me on the maggots. Only ones I dealt with were those by the dumpster during hot summers.

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you :)

[@zombiemom6701]

I literally went to college to become a forensic entomologist. I’m intensely interested in maggots. 😂

[@kurtsalm2155]

In that case, you would enjoy meeting my ex mother-in-law. @@zombiemom6701

[@squalli1297]

During my 1st 2 years working for a privately owned FH in the 70's, I've always wore a suit & didn't get undressed unless I bathed or changed. I slept in a recliner nights and only took my shoes off to sleep. I've learned First Calls were always urgent. The FH owner believed the family could contact someone else & he could lose business if I moved too slow to show up. In CA, FH's were required to get the NOK's signature on an Order For Release & authorization for embalming before taking bodies into our care. I would receive up to 6 1st Calls/night & would need to work funeral services & embalm the following day among other duties. My suits were always at the dry cleaners & I couldn't wear the same suit twice on account of the daily physical activities performed in them. I wore coveralls over my suits when performing maintenance on rolling stock. I've worn many hats.🤕

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you for sharing!

[@BulletNoseBetty]

I could not agree with you more on anything that you said. This is such an excellent video. Thanks for sharing!

[@KaritheMortician]

Glad it was helpful!

[@londonkyguy]

Presentations and first impressions means everything.

[@KaritheMortician]

Very true!!

[@juniorleach1456]

Thank you for this ...I just became a removal technician and they have not trained me properly .they just rushed me around with them to pick of bodies and gave me a company van without fully training me for a week or two So when they gave me a company vehicle ..I have not went out on a removal yet became se I don't feel fully trained ..this video is priceless! And I learned more and realize how compassionate and professional I should be and what the say

[@KaritheMortician]

Yes, practice with some weight on the cot before heading out so you are comfortable with how it handles

[@patriciahill4619]

Do you always go with two people on house calls? How much weight are you able to lift without assistance? I'm new at a funeral home and asking.

[@michaelspeaks2]

How are you making out since this video?

[@ScottVargovich]

I want to say thank you for all the different things I've learned from you. I will never use any of it professionally or otherwise, but it's always nice to have somebody talk about things I've never thought of. You are an incredible teacher - and no matter what you happen to be talking about, I come away from it knowing more about the business and I'm all about that. I've learned quite a bit and I want you to know it's appreciated. Thanks again.

[@KaritheMortician]

You are so welcome!

[@layzbeemama3307]

Thank you so much for all of this beautiful information! I’m just getting into Mortuary Sciences and I’m really happy to learn everything I can! I love watching your channel and I’ve always been interested in caring for the dead and dying. This information is priceless!

[@KaritheMortician]

You are welcome

[@nubyrivera97]

Very good ….. !!! First impressions is very important. Very true….Excellent video , being in control always. Thank you 🙏 . You are so king and professional.

[@KaritheMortician]

My pleasure!

[@nataliehuntfox8772]

Kari I so wish I had known about you ten years ago when my son passed. Don’t get me wrong, the funeral home that came to pick up his body was very professional and appropriate but they did whisk him away faster than I would have liked. I would have liked to have at least a few minutes for his siblings to arrive. I just didn’t know any better. It was a very unexpected death (died in his sleep) and there was so much chaos with police, fire and ambulance, neighbors coming over (well meaning but I would have preferred that they stay away). That is my biggest regret that we as a family didn’t have some private time together before he was taken away. So thank you Kari for educating others so they can at least have some control over their loved one. Bless you 🙏

[@KaritheMortician]

Big hugs to you!! Thank you so much for sharing your story.

[@pamelabrumfield7679]

Kari I agree with you! When my precious Mom passed away in December our funeral director came in with his full suit on. He made sure that we were all comfortable with what he was doing. I admire his work. Very professional throughout the services but down to earth also to where we could talk to him about anything we needed or wanted. The lady from hospice helped him remove her body from the house. She was a Sweetheart as well. Thank you all for what you do for families on a daily basis.

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you!

[@ianlombardo9758]

My dad died unexpectedly in May, we were lucky enough to have a family friend who’s a funeral director at the funeral home we were using who also knew my dad when he was alive. He called us after he had picked him up and said “bring set of clothes, undergarments and socks. Oh, and bring his glasses, I can’t stand seeing him without his glasses” to be able to share our grief with each other was strange, but beautiful at the same time.

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you for sharing

[@MissyKinTN]

I love the respect and compassion you show ❤️

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you so much!

[@sharontallo7267]

I agree with everything you said you're such a great speaker and teacher

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you!!

[@mikegood5877]

I work for a hospital police department in Ohio and I always offer to help the funeral home staff move the deceased onto the cot. I've even sat with patients who were near death and had no family with them so they didn't die alone.

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you for that!

[@lapplano]

I’m so excited to watch these videos, I just finished my first week at DIFS and today we went over this and my professor showed us, with an actual cot and life size 200 lb dummy named “Bob”, everything on how to correctly and respectfully remove a body. So much that you don’t think about like how to prep the cot to bring into the home, making it look neat and professional. I’m excited to start learning the embalming process!

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you! Let me know if there is anything I can help with!

[@lapplano]

@@KaritheMortician Thank you so much! I definitely will, your videos are so informative and educational!

[@allenorganist2011]

What a great way to explain removals. Professionalism is key to a lot of things, but showing professionalism in your work while doing your duties can only show people that you are the one that they will want to care for their family members. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. If you were in my area, I’d trust you with my family members as well as myself.

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you!

[@robincook2530]

You are always so professional and so kind, Kari. I especially liked that you spoke about " the quilt" When the FH came to pick up my husband, I was surprised when they wheeled him out, and they had placed the most gorgeous velvet and satin quilt on him. In my most heartbreaking moment, I told them how happy that I was that they were keeping him warm...I know that sounds stupid but while he was sick, he was always cold. It's the little things that you remember at a time like that. For me, it was seeing him for the last time nice and cozy, under the thick and lovely "guilt" Thank you Kari ❤

[@KaritheMortician]

Thanks so much

[@robincook2530]

Quilt not guilt ! Lol

[@albertmcpeek8538]

Wow, very thorough. I worked part time for a small, rural funeral home. Decomp cases were rare, but did happen. Many removals were done without gloves. My worst situation was on a solo home removal in the middle of the night with a new cot, one of those that has a release at each end, so that you can raise or lower it alone. The cot became jammed while loading into the van, had to leave the gentleman outside at night and walk back into the house to ask the son to come out and help me lower, then raise the cot all the way back up, to release the jam.

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you!

[@davidmckinney6577]

You sure know your business Kari 👋 you are the best. Good hearing you talk this morning.

[@KaritheMortician]

Thanks!

[@bethanymiller1629]

I live in a rural town & in most cases the police will assist here. For example yesterday my upstairs neighbor passed away,she was in her 50’s had Covid19 & weighed around 300 lbs. The funeral home sent 2 people,but due to her size and narrow curved staircase,they need assistance. The officer who was at the scene requested backup & the 2 officers helped the funeral home staff carry her down 2 flights of stairs. I don’t know what to say about police or hospital & nursing home staff being unwilling to assist. As a CNA in a nursing home,Ihave attended many deaths.It’s our policy to bath the body & put them in clean johnnys before the funeral home arrives to pick them up.

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you!

[@collinreesejones5525]

ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS, always ask is family there! NEVER DISRECT!

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you!

[@kathleenmckeithen118]

Wow! I just happened upon this video and I am so impressed. I listened to the entire thing, and sure hope to be treated the way you, Kari, treat people when they are going through the death of a loved one. Treating others the way you would want to be treated in the same circumstance sums up what you were saying about handling the removal aspect. Thank you for your professional advice to others in this very sensitive business. :)

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you

[@melissalacycliff5582]

Kari, I always Love your explanations for procedures. Your Loving actions make a big difference in a final end of a persons life. Thank you!

[@KaritheMortician]

Yes! Thank you!

[@pamgladden66]

You have taught us so much. This indeed is your calling.

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you!

[@549BR]

At a nursing home, always make sure you have the right room and person. Try to avoid the two way radio call to return to the home to get the deceased body. This happened once and I always wondered if the 86 year old man felt in the morning like he had been taken for a ride in the back of a suburban, as he didn't wake up. From that point on, and for some time, the FD would jokingly say "and make sure you pick up the dead one; I'm not running an invalid car service." We were two off duty cops, but we always wore dress shirts, ties, and at least a sport coat. That was fifty years ago, but I still remember the incident and chuckle to myself.

[@KaritheMortician]

Yes!

[@mattrost2574]

Great information! Prior to retirement last year, I did residential removals for 31 years, and your pointers are spot-on. I found that when a death occurs at home, there is always police or hospice present. I would interview them during first-call (name, address, SS, DOB, informant) and then ask questions that required only a "yes" or "no" answer, so that the family wouldn't know what I was asking. I would ALWAYS ask, "is the decedent of normal size?" If no, I would ask, "are they larger than 300 pounds?" And so on. I would then ask (if I'm speaking to the police), is the body in any form of decomposition?" Yes or no. If yes, I would ask, "Should we be bringing a disaster pouch?" I would also ask if there were stairs or any access limitations. And upon arrival, I would always ask, "Are there any pets that might try to slip out the door?" I learned this one after chasing a dog for 2 hours. Speaking with the family during first call and at the residence is a whole other topic! Since I was a funeral director and would probably be meeting with this family, I fully realized that their first impression of me would be remembered during the arrangements, and for a LONG time, they would be sharing details about my behavior with other family members and friends. Grieving people aren't thinking clearly, and no matter what you say or do, it will be remembered.

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you for sharing!

[@custerranch]

Really excellent pointers for taking a first call! I've only been working at the FH for a few months, but I very much want to do a great job especially when dealing with families.

[@shirleymerriweather6097]

Thank You!! This Means So Much!! You’re absolutely awesome!!❤️‍🩹

[@KaritheMortician]

You are so welcome

[@ying0129]

Thank you for your time Everything i needed to here

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you!

[@poohbearny]

When I worked at the hospital the first thing we would do is open a window. This was for 2 reasons , one to give some fresh air and the 2nd was to let the soul of the person out if they believed in such. Then we would give them a bath and if they had any clothes there we would actually change them into the clothes instead of a hospital gown. If the family was waiting in the hall we would change out the bed and place them in bed as if they were just laying there sleeping. We would also have them partially tilted to one side and have a chair next to them for the family to use and able to see them face to face. Once we were ready to move them we would have someone go through and close all the doors to the rooms going down the hall so no one would know what was going on. If someone asked we would tell them we were transferring someone and needed the doors closed due to us being on the side of the bed and we use the wall to guide us and the door closed prevented us from falling into a patients room due to it being a tight squeeze down the hall. Most did not have a clue we were actually bringing a body through instead. If the patient was a veteran and there were other veteran patients we would let them know since most would rather stand at their door if possible and salute the passing veteran.

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you

[@marilynharrison3829]

Respect the person and their family and friends.

[@KaritheMortician]

yes!

[@racing8872]

Great video very informative Always enjoy watching your channel

[@KaritheMortician]

Thanks 👍

[@danahatem8092]

Karry you are so amazing wish they were all like you so thorough and respectful God bless you sweetie wish you lived in Florida I definitely would want to use you for my family or myself!!!

[@KaritheMortician]

Wow, thank you

[@pamelaiacovacci5474]

Thank u so much for the great information!

[@KaritheMortician]

You are so welcome!

[@pamelaiacovacci5474]

I lost my beloved husband in 2016....we had a very traumatic head on collision.....I lost him on impact. It was very devastating for me....and still is

[@frklein1]

As a security officer in a hospital, after I retired as a police officer, it was my job to assist loading bodies. In fact, it was our job to bring the deceased from the room to the morgue.

[@KaritheMortician]

Nice :)

[@doccarson63]

I was manpower assist when I was a Firefighter. Most of the guys would answer the tone out. Really great crew.

[@KaritheMortician]

Awesome!

[@peggyschram917]

Kari, you are such a professional in all instances!

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you so much!!

[@jeanaesamuel47]

Awesome video and information!!!❤❤❤

[@KaritheMortician]

Glad it was helpful!

[@debbiegarrett6342]

100% agree with you on your dress code opinion. And cleanliness of the vehicle. This all speaks up front of who you are behind the scenes.

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you!

[@WhispersFromTheDark]

Mornin' hun. It's good to see you. Stay safe out there.

[@KaritheMortician]

Thanks!

[@spoda81]

Depending on the circumstances and the state of mind of the family I usually ask the family if they would like to help.

[@KaritheMortician]

Very nice

[@lindathorpe3299]

The ones that’s came to gets my sweet husband they was dress nices and real sweet

[@lindathorpe3299]

U are a very sweet lady that’s the the ones that’s gets all are family’s the ones in Rockport Indiana

[@schamblin45]

I was mostly lucky to have help from staff while making hospital or nursing home removals. Rarely was family there if it was late night but we still had to be dressed appropriately. I was always nervous about home removals, though. Murphy's law follows us all to some degree. You never know until you're there. The very last removal call I went on before retiring was a home removal and the whole family, many, there were, insisted on being in the room as we worked. Fortunately, It went as it should. Enjoyable video, as always!

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you for sharing!

[@schamblin45]

@@KaritheMortician My pleasure, indeed. I always enjoy your videos!

[@PatrickRKay]

Thanks for what you do

[@KaritheMortician]

You are very welcome!

[@clarencejacksonjr.]

Love this! When my parents passed away they were in the hospital. I couldn't bring myself to wait for the people to come to remove them. I left before they arrived because I didn't want to have the memory of them being put in a body bag and zipped up.

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you for sharing

[@clarencejacksonjr.]

@@KaritheMortician ur welcome

[@raygay3375]

I have been a social worker for a hospice, and the only other thing I could say would that family know if you’re being genuine and sincere

[@KaritheMortician]

Very true

[@gratefulandhappy7587]

Great video! Thank you for addressing these points. Very very good information. When one of my loved ones passed away, the person that showed up for the removal was dressed in jeans, a college sweatshirt and sneakers. I refused his service because he showed no respect for himself in that role and no consideration for the family- whom he had NEVER met. I immediately called a different funeral home and I set the tone of what was acceptable. While a removal may be just another part of the job as a funeral director - we need to look at it from a family members perspective. In some cases the removal is really the first- in person contact with the decedent and family. It must be handled with the utmost respect.

[@KaritheMortician]

Thanks so much. That is so sad to hear!!

[@brendahoward9753]

When the funeral directors came to pick up my husband they were both dressed in suits and dress shoes. Could not have asked for more compassionate men. Before they put him in the vehicle they allowed us to say our final goodbye .

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you for sharing this

[@maryboone903]

I want to add a comical thing to his removal, our little grandson gave him a ordinary rock that he asked ablessing on it.my husband wanted it before he died and when he did pass on it was in his hand.You should have seen his face when Bill's arm fell down off thecot before he was strapped in .lol I then had to tell him the story behind the rock .

[@KaritheMortician]

Oh goodness :)

[@davidvogel6359]

That is so sweet of you to help your grandson bond with his grandfather. I believe he will remember that he had a important role in comforting his grandfather. So special that grandpa treasured that rock and wanted to hold it. What a great example for him to not be afraid of death. Bless you and condolences for your loss.

[@missyd0g2]

Working for a number of Hospitals systems in IT technology. Our computer repair and replacement was most times near the morgue of the hospital. We were always notified when a patient was being received by the morgue. The protocol was to stand silent as they went by. Many hospital staffed that cared for the patient went with them. Our staff was always respectful. One of my former staff had moved out of state. His mom had a stroke and was not going to recover. I drove to the airport and picked him up a 1 am. Drove him to the hospital and had security waiting to take him to his mother. They had a last few hours together.

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you for sharing

[@collinreesejones5525]

Thankfully I am in a small west Texas town and law enforcement and fire dept ALWAYS jumps in to help thank goodness! I love Ballinger, Texas 😍😎😁🤗

[@KaritheMortician]

That is awesome!

[@ROCKY-in2mg]

HI THERE KARI I HAVE BEEN A FIRST CALL MAN FOR 12 YEARS. AS WELL AS AN EMT FOR 23 YEARS.... I AM RETIRED NOW DUE TO BACK INJURY..... I FOUND YOU'RE CHANNEL IN 2019 AND HAVE FOLLOWED AND SUBED BE YOUR CHANNEL, AND Enjoy IT VERY MUCH THANK YOU 🌹

[@KaritheMortician]

Thanks for joining us!!

[@philiplettley]

When my dad retired aged 65 in 2008, he saw a job for cooperative funeral care removal person, he applied for it and got the job, he also ended up doing the pall bearing, driving the hearses and limousines, he retired in 2019, but was then asked to cover for others on holiday/sickness, he said OK, but only till new year 2020. His 2nd retirement from funeral business lasted till March 2020, when he was asked to help cover during the covid pandemic, he carried on till March last year, when he either had to retire or go full time, as he was part time/on call basis for removals/funerals, though at times he could be doing 3 funerals a day, 5 days a week. He needs both knees replacing, still waiting after 18 months with the covid restrictions, he said that if the operations had happened before the ultimatum about going full time, he'd have probably gone full time for a few more years. He always wore a suit for removals, and would shower as soon as he got home. Only the suit was provided by cooperative funeral care, no coats. Dad noticed that sainsburys supermarket had good coats for a reasonable price, which everyone got in the end for removals. Sainsburys and cooperative are different supermarkets in the UK. Interesting video as usual, keep up the good work

[@annetteslife]

Thank you this what I needed just to see how my mom who passed away 9 months ago was transported to a funeral home

[@KaritheMortician]

Big hugs 🤗

[@annetteslife]

@@KaritheMortician thank you

[@brianbrian4317]

I started by watching “ask a mortician” channel here and liked her. Got her books etc but she kinda drifted from the funeral topics and became too big and forgot her primary focus. Then I found you and you are my new favorite for for sure. Maybe you should write a book- even full of small tidbits and stories. I’m a RN and wish I went into the funeral business but it’s very hard to become successful if your not part of the family of local funeral homes- there is comfort there maybe way they always keep the new name. I’m really interested in caskets. Watched some real cool videos on Batesville casket and loved the option etc and that you do not need to buy from the funeral home. Just a great idea for a video (but I’m partial lol) also have you ever visited cave hill cemetery in Kentucky? I spent hours!

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you

[@limeyosu2000]

Can't believe people are so unhelpful!! I saw the quilt thing a few years ago it seems to be the new thing.

[@KaritheMortician]

Yeah it is a nice touch

[@chalikaoliver1885]

please make more videos like this Thanks so much

[@KaritheMortician]

More to come!

[@leewhite-graham753]

You are exquisitely considerate. You should be teaching on a national level. Not just new people, all who are interested in the importance of thus industry.❤ I wrote this before knowing about your FB group.🤭oops

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you!

[@leewhite-graham753]

@@KaritheMortician You are most welcome❣

[@anna-katehowell9852]

I would also love to see a video explaining every piece of paper, from start to finish, that the funeral home has to fill out or sign from the time the time the person dies until... whenever the paperwork is done after disposition.

[@sterlingodeaghaidh5086]

I love you touched on this topic. I have seen the funeral homes out here handle removals out here so differently, it's unbelievable. The first removal I did, I was in a dress shirt, tie, slacks, and leather shoes. The other day in a larger city, I saw some funeral home staff doing a removal in a pair of jeans and a white T-shirt. While I am not gonna insult them for their atire, I will say I didn't really look too kindly at that. Being in a small community I think I see what made the funeral home what it is now. The firms out here are involved in a community to a high degree, even if they're not the only ones serving that town they're participating in parades, community functions providing catering etc... I kinda feel like a lot of the industry is starting to fall away from that. Then again I am just a student with minimal work experience so...

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you!

[@richardgordon245]

FANTASTIC YOUR ARE A LADY OF HIGH CLASS AND DIGNITY😊

[@KaritheMortician]

thank you

[@astardustparade]

The funeral home the nursing facility I work at uses always only sends 1 person to pick up a body, even for large people. We are a small facility and everyone helps out here but I imagine in some places that might not be the case. I’ve never been one to shy away from helping the removal tech.

[@KaritheMortician]

thank you for sharing this

[@peggysettles793]

Clothes are important. Cleanliness definitely counts. Thanks

[@KaritheMortician]

Absolutely!!

[@deannaharby5677]

When my Aunt passed the entrance to her condo was curved and tight. We all (3 of us) helped the 2 people who came to take her, to put her on a back board and stand her up and kind of wiggle/pull her out the front door. ( a true ordeal ) We were happy to be hands on--and joked around because we knew she would have found the whole thing funny. She was under hospice, but the police still had to be called first. The police could not come for hours because there was a robber on the lose and all the cops were busy ,so we got to spend wonderful time with my deceased Aunt while waiting for the police. Again she would have loved the craziness it ! Sorry this went long Kari !

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you for sharing

[@tylerp5073]

I’m so sorry for the loss of your aunt, but she sounds like someone who would have found the details of her death almost comical. The delayed arrival of the police gave you guys time with your aunt that you all will probably cherish. Thanks for sharing with us. ❤️

[@stevecooper2873]

Seems like a Reeves stretcher would have been a better investment for the FH

[@margaretlaycock42]

In your job it's all about respect,for yourself for who you work for,the deceased,the family on every level.Smartness,cleanliness,body language,how you verbally approach people.It could be the family have never been in that situation before,and really don't want anybody removing their loved one,enclosed in a bag,to who knows where.How are they going to treat them when they are out of sight.It all adds up to whether they have a positive experience of how the removal went.In A & E my son was lying on the bed,head in the middle of the pillows,legs to one side,in his clothes like he had just been dumped there...situations like that leave unnecessary scars with you that could have been avoided.A little bit of thought goes a long way... :)

[@KaritheMortician]

So sad

[@stevecooper2873]

Ah, the memories you brought back. In the early-mid 70s, the local ambulance would often transport the deceased to the hospital where they could be properly cooled/cared for, as a courtesy to the family. [In my State, it could take hours for the ME to send a car to the scene, and, obviously, that can be a strain for the family. [NOW, once death recording became more stringent, i.e. "you ain't dead till an MD says so".....pre Paramedic days the hospitals reached out to ambulance providers to cease doing that, since it would be recorded as a 'death in hospital', and that obviously caused problems with their annual reports.] A member would always ride in the back with the deceased, out of respect...... as a junior member, that was often me. I can tell you that on one 'learning experience' removal of an, um, stale body Vicks did absolutely nothing for either of us. Thankfully, we carried body bags on each rig, so once outside and in the rig things were better. Now, to "professionalism". I responded to a friend/coworker who passed some hours prior unexpectedly. He lived alone, above his landlady. Well, the two "kids" that came for the pickup had very little clue as to what they were doing. T-shirt and jeans, and not particularly clean either. They had managed to get him into a bag [larger guy....say 250] and I am quite sure they simply slid him down the stairs to ground level. They had clearly never been trained how to use the cot. So here we are, on the sidewalk in front of his house, with these two kids tying to lift him up to a FULLY RAISED Ferno cot from ground level. It was painful, and embarrassing [had there been video on phones then] to watch. Finally, after dropping him twice, my Wife and I [both EMS professionals ] said STOP. "Don't they teach you how to use your cot ?" Clearly not. Explained that the cot went up and down for a reason..... and not just for bedside removals, as you seem to suggest. Wife and I lowered the cot, lifted my buddy onto it, raised it back up so it could be put in the van. The 'removal' car was a generic black minivan [gas shortages] and one end of him wound up between the two front seats as they laughed about how lucky they were to get him inside. So sad. I absolutely thank you for the information about covering with a flag. I covered him with a flag he owned, out of respect for his Navy service [HIS flag]. I have been told over the years this was 'disrespectful to the flag', and I am somewhat relieved to learn it may have actually been OK. SAD sad day, and had I known the FH I would have called or visited to gripe.

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you for sharing!

[@BostonSteve922]

I’ve done removals from peoples homes. My first job in the funeral industry.

[@KaritheMortician]

Nice!

[@joncampos5551]

18:01. Oh crap. I can only imagine that poor supervisor, getting an earful.

[@KaritheMortician]

:)

[@sg2823]

Very informative!

[@KaritheMortician]

Glad it was helpful!

[@neelanaidu4101]

Hi Kari I've just started watching your videos. My son passed away 14 years ago and I still am sad about how the pick up was done. The funeral home came to pick up my son from the hospital where he passed away. They were dressed very inappropriately and just put my son on a stretcher and covered him with blankets. I felt broken when I saw this and just walked away

[@KaritheMortician]

So sorry :(

[@joncampos5551]

0:52. “Ah, yes, I’ll have an order of unattended death, side order of maggots”. Lol

[@KaritheMortician]

:)

[@raypropps]

I use a device that goes under them and it makes it easier lifting. I have gotten decomposing bodies and no need to freak out just do what you have to do

[@KaritheMortician]

So true!

[@Thomasnmi]

Nice idea about the quilt

[@KaritheMortician]

Thanks

[@dianarendon5845]

I really admire, and it's of great respect how the funeral field use delicate phrases and words to describe and talk to loved ones about the procedures, especially since they are going through a very sensitive and sad time. Empathy and tactfulness makes a diffrence in helping loved ones cope with their loss. My question is though, let's say it isn't a private funeral home initially coming to take charge of the care of the deceased, but lets say it's a medical examiner or coroner will do it first because an autopsy is being done for whatever reason, is the ME or Coroner's Office also tactful and understanding in dealing with the loved ones? I ask because being of public or government entity, I tend to think they're probably a bit colder or stoic in how they take care of the situation Thank you.

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you so much

[@drewwise5966]

You’re exactly right. The funeral home that we used for one of my grandfathers who died in hospice sent one person. The hospice said nope we don’t do that. I helped the funeral director place him on the cot. Because he was a veteran, the director gave me the honor of laying the flag over him at 1:30 am that morning. The director did provide me with proper PPE such as gloves and so on.

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you for sharing this!

[@drewwise5966]

@@KaritheMortician my pleasure. While I knew what could happen I also knew it had to be done. Decomp starts faster than we think.

[@AnthonyBrown-to2ie]

Now Kari that is true Vintage u went to a good school on Mortuary science.

[@KaritheMortician]

I think so :)

[@peterredfern1174]

When my wife’s sister passed at her home,the funeral staff when the time came to take her to the funeral home,simply said we will take care of her now,and indicated when her family could come to the funeral home.👋👋🙏🙏🇦🇺

[@KaritheMortician]

very nice

[@OhMasters.]

Hi Kari... I was wondering if you could do a video explaining all the different positions. For instance, what is a undertaker and what do they do? Also, what's a coroner, funeral director, and so on... Love all your videos, and have learned so much from you.

[@KaritheMortician]

undertaker and funeral director are the same coroner and medical examiner- I have a two minute video on the difference for that :)

[@amywalker1330]

I have worked in 3 nursing homes and have helped with loading the deceased on the gurny

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you for helping!

[@karenshrofe1906]

When someone in our family passes away we are the ones that bury them. It started back when my cousin died in a car crash about 27 yrs ago. My aunt, uncle and others decided that we will put the dirt over our loved ones. It was done that way back in the day. Let me tell you it's hard but the ones that would normally do that do not really care about who is there. I just love how you care

[@KaritheMortician]

Love it!

[@custerranch]

When my delightfully-crusty cowboy/rancher father-in-law passed last year, my husband built his requested wooden casket for him with rusty hardware, which we branded with family cattle brands, lined with a quilt and his own pillow, and added blue stem Osage country grass inside. At the cemetery, it only seemed fitting to me that we shovel in the dirt ourselves, so I asked a cousin if she had shovels in her truck and made it happen. After the other guests saw that we were shovelling, they wanted to shovel too. It really turned out so fitting for him, and I highly recommend it for closure 💙

[@karenshrofe1906]

​@@custerranchIm glad you did that. We let the funeral home know that is what we are going to do. People do help out

[@custerranch]

@@karenshrofe1906 I wish we could have stayed long enough at the grave to do all of the shoveling, but the workers had put the dirt pile so far away, we were just able to get the job started. But it was still very satisfying, and even my mother-in-law joined in. I've never seen this in an American funeral, so I didn't know what the guests would think. But since we are very rural, agricultural people, it seemed right to do some of the work ourselves. Like a cowboy movie, I guess. How long would you say it takes to replace the entire pile of dirt by shovel? I may attempt it next time.

[@karenshrofe1906]

@custerranch Gosh I really don't know. For my mom and dad we had multiple people helping to cover them up. It's like closure for some. I was not able to help do my mom. I did help cover my dad. Sorry with help not to long.

[@johnallen1770]

You are a A+ personality .

[@davidp8915]

Agree with it all... especially the choice of comforting and respectful words to the family. WE do suits on all calls (for men) and our ladies are always respectfully dressed. Two on all home calls and one for nursing homes and hospitals. There must be some sort of Murphy's law that the heavier the deceased, the more stairs and the furthest from the door. And know your cot - sometimes they collapse when you least expect it. ALSO, look for jewelry on the deceased and have the family sign whether it's going with Mom or if they're taking it.

[@KaritheMortician]

Thank you

[@BB-dp4kh]

Today in a world of covid-19 safety must be paramount..

[@KaritheMortician]

Very much!