Mortuary Assistant Question:
Tell me how physically/mentally demanding is the job?
Answer:
Being a mortuary technician is far more demanding than anyone can probably comprehend unless they've done similar work. The job will take it out of you physically as it involves lots of moving heavy bodies around. And, of course, standing on your feet to carry out an autopsy which will take 1-3 hours. Some Forensic PM's can take around 12 hours. You will not sit down all day if you work in a busy environment as autopsies will then give way to releasing patients to Funeral Directors and preparing them for viewings.
On TV, the Pathologist will carry out the evisceration of the body (that is, the removal of the organs.) In real life it is the APT who does this and it's not easy - it involves lots of tools and hauling heavy bowls and trays around. Unless you've had the experience of this (which most people won't have!) you can't imagine how dense and heavy human organs are.
And, of course, mentally it will be very draining and some of the more progressive mortuaries will understand the need for debriefing sessions and supervision (a type of counselling) of APT's. Because most of the information you'll take in is confidential it means there aren't really many ways for you to 'unburden' yourself so it can be very tough unless you have a good relationship with your colleagues.
On TV, the Pathologist will carry out the evisceration of the body (that is, the removal of the organs.) In real life it is the APT who does this and it's not easy - it involves lots of tools and hauling heavy bowls and trays around. Unless you've had the experience of this (which most people won't have!) you can't imagine how dense and heavy human organs are.
And, of course, mentally it will be very draining and some of the more progressive mortuaries will understand the need for debriefing sessions and supervision (a type of counselling) of APT's. Because most of the information you'll take in is confidential it means there aren't really many ways for you to 'unburden' yourself so it can be very tough unless you have a good relationship with your colleagues.
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