The 2018 British Institute of Embalmers Australasian Division Conference and Annual General Meeting was held 9 to 11 February in the picturesque Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Australia. The historic Hydro Majestic Hotel was the venue, with guests travelling from across Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Belgium, joining together for a weekend of professional development and fellowship. Established in 1903, the opulent Hydro Majestic spans over a kilometre atop a breathtaking escarpment in Australia’s World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. Its stunning location set the scene for a memorable weekend, hosted by Australasian Division Chair, Tara Mackay MBIE FAIE and committee. Conference delegates arrived in advance to attend the much anticipated Friday tour of the Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research (AFTER). Two groups met in the hotel lobby and then took a 45 minute journey to this remote location. This is the only ‘body farm’ outside the United States of America and Shari Forbes, a Professor and former ARC Future Fellow in the Centre for Forensic Science at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), was our guide as we toured the impressive facility. The aims of research in the field of forensic taphonomy is to better understand the physical, chemical and biological processes of soft and hard tissue decomposition, which gives benefit to both the science and law enforcement community. This has revolutionised the way in which criminal and death investigations are conducted in Australia. The donor protocol was explained in depth highlighting the strict ethics supporting dignity for those in their care. The AFTER research promoted numerous questions from our group and Shari, and her team, provided us with a valuable insight into their fine work and a better understanding of decomposition. This tour was a rare glimpse to see inside this world class facility which opened in 2016, an opportunity not granted to many. We sincerely thank Shari and her team for this honour. We then headed back to the hotel to prepare for the evenings events. The official conference photograph was taken prior to our Annual Bill Dobson Dinner, with the impressive backdrop of the mountains behind the Hydro Majestic. As a few drops of rain fell we moved inside the Boilerhouse Restaurant to conclude our pre-dinner drinks. The venue had an industrial feel with sleek décor. We remember our past Chairman, colleague and friend, Bill Dobson with respect for his fine work in our division and his friendship. Treasurer, Michael Hopkins, gave a short speech recalling memories of Bill. The cuisine for this occasion was Italian buffet and this was the first occasion for us all to meet our international guests. It was a relaxed evening with lots of smiles and laughter.

Australasian Division 2018 Conference Report

Early breakfast for those staying at the Hydro gave an opportunity to meet up with fellow embalmers, suppliers and industry professionals. Conference meals are a great time to share experiences and strengthen networks. The Hydro Majestic Ballroom with its ornate barrel ceiling was the venue for all educational seminars over the next 2 days. Delegates were greeted at registration by Secretary, Carolyn Doherty and Education Officer, Janelle Chalmer. All delegates received a souvenir BIE tote bag containing supplier samples, conference information and our 2018 commemorative scrub top. This year’s scrub top is black, sporting the BIE colour logo, in addition to all the logos of our sponsors. Many delegates took the opportunity to purchase our new merchandise, the BIE sports hoodie complete with BIE logo. Each year we are proud to have the support of all our valued sponsors. Major sponsors set up their stands adjacent to the Majestic Ballroom allowing delegates an opportunity to talk and meet with industry professionals from around the country. Tara Mackay officially opened the 2018 conference at 9am, Friday 9 February. A special welcome was made to the BIE National Chairman Amanda Woodward MBIE, and her husband David Homer, who travelled from the United Kingdom to attend the event. Our other international guests included Alain Koninckx from Belgium, Craig Caldwell from the USA and John Schipper from New Zealand. Professor Shari Forbes (New South Wales) was our first speaker and continued her review of the AFTER Facility. This research and training centre involves collaboration between universities, police agencies and forensic science services. The challenges of establishing time of death were explained and the need for continuing research into decomposition. Shari highlighted the importance of Australia having its own body farm facility, as our climate and vegetation are unique to the world and the process of decomposition is inherently impacted by these factors. Further facilities are planned for Australia. The importance of the AFTER research includes returning missing remains to loved ones, allowing families to start the mourning process and supporting justice. Specific case studies were cited. It was also highlighted that donors must specifically consent for inclusion in the AFTER programme and Shari acknowledged the generosity of these donors. The topic of Alain Koninckx’s MBIE CFSP (Belgium) seminar was embalming frozen cases. This talk covered all aspects of this subject including how to freeze a body using a deep freezer, careful handling of frozen cases, thawing (e.g. in cases where a person has died in cold conditions) and embalming. The side effects of freezing includes dehydration, so hands and faces should always be protected with massage cream. Alain’s protocol for embalming frozen cases (for preservation between 4-5 days) included liberal use of massage cream, six point injection, Restricted Cervical Injection, right Jugular Vein drainage (noting drainage will most likely be poor), 2 - 3% fluid concentration, waterless injection to head, fluid temperature between 15-20 degrees Celsius, use of humectant, inclusion of relevant coinjection fluids, low pressure injection to protect capillaries, use of hypodermic embalming and delayed aspiration. Dehydration will result from freezing cases and the difficult part of embalming will always be thawing the body. Alain’s vast experience in this field was evident as he answered many questions from conference delegates. The 2018 AGM was an opportunity to review and plan ahead. The revamped BIE Australasian Division website was introduced to delegates, now with a new streamlined design. As there were no new nominations for board, all current positions were reinstalled. Minutes of this meeting will be made available to Members. Our own Janelle Chalmer MBIE MAIE (Western Australia), Education Officer for our Division, then gave us an insight into lung purge. A survey to all members prior to the conference highlighted a range of possible explanations for this embalming phenomenon. Ultimately there does not appear to be a definitive answer as to why it occurs. Various texts were discussed, but again, without conclusion. Janelle included information on the relevant anatomy and the occurrence of valve failure, pressure of injection and the difference between lunge and stomach purge. Various case studies were detailed with the aim of sharing knowledge and enhancing our skills as embalming practitioners. We look forward to Janelle’s

next talk at the 2019 conference, which will once again cover a theme practical to our day to day work in the funeral industry. This year we were excited to welcome back Mark Simpson B.Med.Sc (Hons.Clin.Pharm) B.Med.Educ.BN (South Australia) to present. Mark is a retired senior lecturer in medical science and clinical Pharmacology. He now works as a consultant medical science liaison and educator. Mark has a personal and professional interest in the funeral industry and undertook embalming training in 2010. His topic today was illicit substances and the risks to mortuary and transfer staff. He specifically reviewed 3 new highly dangerous substances, “Krokodil” (Desomorphine), “Flakka” (alpha-PVP) and “Drop Dead“(Carfentanil) – which is used by vets to sedate elephants. To better understand this topic Mark, together with various members of the audience, gave us a practical and easy to understand overview of neurotransmission and the negative effects of illicit drugs. There are certainly risks for us with cross contamination, but with the correct use of PPE we are able to protect ourselves and those around us. The fact is that the equivalent of one grain of salt of Carfentanil is enough to kill a human being, so we must be super vigilant and extra careful. Mark’s talks are always very animated and topical, linking the most up to date medical research with the field of embalming. Each year we all eagerly anticipate the now famous, Great Debate. This year’s topic, ‘that embalming is sustainable as part of modern funeral directing’, attracted animated responses from both sides. Although rather light hearted in tone, the debate put a spotlight on the importance of embalming and the value of viewing. The affirmative team included Amanda Woodward, Alain Koninckx and Craig Caldwell…an all international team. And, on the negative team we had some of Australia’s best, (and our first all female team) including Jody Godeassi, Carolina Sanchez -Vargas and Suzie Konszky. The affirmative team arguments included the need for embalming when there is a need for preservation (for example legislative issues causing funeral delays), the need arising from presentation concerns (e.g. hypostasis and dehydration etc.…) and the protection of public health. And, the negative team response included the environmental concerns with the use of embalming chemicals, cost of embalming, religious and cultural considerations and the new age ways of saying goodbye. Both sides put up an impressive fight, Carolina wasn’t going down quietly, but after an embalming scandal delivered by Craig Caldwell that provided actual evidence that Carolina was indeed on their side, it was voted that embalming IS a sustainable part of modern funeral service. No surprises here and it looks like we’ve all got jobs for a lot longer yet! Delegates retired for a short break before putting on their best attire to enjoy the Saturday evening dinner. Pre-dinner drinks were enjoyed in the opulent Salon Du The with a formal reception in the grand Wintergarden Restaurant overlooking the Megalong Valley. Among the fine cuisine, Kangaroo was served catering particularly for our international guests. A live jazz trio accompanied our evening as we once again enjoyed the spectacular views of the Blue Mountains. More photo opportunities gave us a chance to capture the fun atmosphere of the evening.

Mark Simpson began proceedings Sunday morning, continuing his discussion on drugs but today focussing on euthanasia drugs and the impact on embalming. His spotlight was on the so-called peacemaker, Nembutal Sodium, which is used by euthanasia organisations in the United States, Switzerland and The Netherlands. As a background to this, he proceeded to update us on the legalities relating to this topic, related happenings in other countries and relevant pharmacological definitions. He then raised the question, “in the case of voluntary euthanasia, would an autopsy be conducted?” (Mark did not think this would be necessary in Australia). Essentially, there are many unanswered questions relating to this subject. In conclusion though, it seems that in cases of post Nembutal death, the heightened acidotic state will potentially hasten the process of pre and post mortem visceral decomposition. Alain Koninckx then presented his second topic, Long Term Embalming. It became clear that the mission to long term embalm is defined differently around the world and very much dependant on the context (e.g. long term embalming in the medical science field is much longer than that of the funeral home). Various questions need to be asked to support effective embalming of these cases, including: time, is viewing required?, where will the deceased be conserved? It is important that the body proteins be statured by the embalming solution and remember that embalming is a temporary preservation only. Means of action could include waterless injection and other specialist techniques, including Restricted Cervical Injection and multi point injection. Variables that will affect how the cases are embalmed include disease conditions, medications, anticipated secondary dilution in the body and signs of decomposition. Cavity treatment is most important in these cases and hypodermic injection should be completed using cavity fluid. Alain highlighted various post embalming procedures which included use of massage cream and the need for a constant temperature away from drafts and moisture. His experience with complicated cases was once again highlighted as he answered questions from delegates about his “Mission Impossible”. David Homer (UK) was our final presenter for the weekend and he kept us well entertained. From the early English graffiti to the sheer size of the task, we were intrigued as he gave us a step by step recollection of one of his major projects in Manchester, where he exhumed several bodies dating back over 150 years and transported them to a new location. It was fascinating to see images of the old vaults and coffins and to hear how David, and his team, combatted various challenges experienced along the way in this very delicate operation. It is no wonder he was awarded ‘Grave Digger of the Year’ at the Good Funeral Awards held in London, 2016. Tara Mackay wrapped up proceedings and thanked all speakers, delegates and sponsors. A light lunch followed before we departed for home. A superb weekend, enjoyed by all. It was great to welcome new faces and to reacquaint with old friends and colleagues.

We look forward to all meeting up again in Perth, Western Australia, for the 2019 Conference and AGM. Full details will be posted on our website (www.bieaust.org) and Facebook page as they become available.

Blue Mountains

Thank you to our generous sponsors