14 - Shipping Human Remains

Use caution until the remains are in your possession.

Embalming is not uniformly available in many countries and may not equate to the process performed here. For this reason, when talking with the family about viewing, do what first?

refusal of entry and subsequent return of the remains to the US.

Failure to comply fully with regulations may result in

delays

For this whole process, there will be _________________ so it's best not to give the family a specific timeline.

- certified copies - burial/transit permit - non-contagious disease letter -embalmers affidavit

Four documents needed for international shipping of human remains

known shipper

Funeral homes are required to register as a ____________ _______________ with each airline they use to ship human remains.

combo or combo unit

Human remains that are not casketed can be shipped in what?

packed in dry ice or ice packs.

If a person's religious conviction do not permit embalming, most airlines will permit the body to be shipped if it is what?

The shipping FD

If regulations aren't followed and remains are returned to the US, who pays?

-cremation -local burial with disinterment, when permitted

If the family is unable to meet the financial demands of shipping from overseas, they may have to choose what instead?

within 3 days without the family's consent

In many countries, the body may be buried when?

Chicago, NYC, Washington DC

Inspections happen in what three cities in the US?

to view the body, casket/contents, and outer container. May require exam of remains and/or clothing with verification of identity.

Many countries require an actual visit by a representative of the embassy or consulate for what purpose?

The US Embassy will issue a "Consular Report of a Death Overseas" that is accepted by insurance companies and other businesses, such as banks.

Many foreign countries do not issue death certificates or will not issue one with cause of death. What can happen instead?

- at minimum, hospital gown and plastic pants -wrapped in a sheet, not plastic - clothing should be sent in plastic garment bag - body should be anchored to the bottom with provided straps - all flight information in shipping envelope attached at the head to include deceased name and destination funeral home -

Shipping non-casketed remains

- cover hands and face preventing cosmetics from rubbing the interior - box should be placed between feet and end of casket to prevent shifting - metal caskets can be locked but key cap should be in envelope to avoid damaging the casket if depressurized - place casket in air tray for protection - all flight info goes into shipping envelope at head of shipping container to include deceased name and funeral home of final destination - body/burial transit permit

Shipping procedures for casketed remains

-Photo ID -FD license - Burial/transit paperwork - Permit letter of non-contagious disease - embalmer's affidavit - passport of the deceased - Letter on FH letterhead "Only human remains are inside the casket", flight itinerary, Consignee's name, address and telephone number

Some Documentation required when shipping human remains

regulations of any countries the shipment will pass through.

The FD must comply with all regulations of destination country as well as

the death certificate is pending cause of death

The coroner or medical examiner will sometimes need to issue a letter stating that the death is not due to a contagious disease if what occurs?

- 2 years - 15 years

The family may be able to disinter their loved one as recently as ______ _________ or as long as _____ ___________.

apostille

The verification of a notary seal or governmental agency seal and accompanying signature

- do not set times for services until you know when remains will arrive - obtain all vital statistics immediately - contact knowledgeable someone to handle shipment - size of deceased - location of deceased - day of the week the death occurred can affect shipment - circumstances of death may increase delay

Things to consider when shipping human remains

False

True/False The American Embassy or the Department of State will provide funds to return a US citizen home.

False, remains will be rejected by airlines if a FD attempts to reuse one of these units.

True/False: Air trays and combo units can be used multiple times.

true

True/False: All airlines require the body to be embalmed.

true

True/False: Nearly all domestic shipping is done via airlines.

including flowers in the casket

What would constitute a quarantine situation?

cubic foot

When shipping by boat, charge is by

the embassy or consulate of jurisdiction to verify current regulations and any fees for services rendered

When shipping human remains to a foreign country, who should the funeral director call and why ?

- US Embassy in the country where the death has taken place - US Department of Overseas Services

When the death of a US citizen occurs abroad, these two resources are the family's best place to start

both the sending and receiving funeral homes are responsible for a biohazard incident

Who is responsible and liable for clean-up costs for a body that leaks?

All countries.

Who requires "legalization or authentication" of the documents stating regulations by embassy representative?

They will have those charges as well as services here to pay for

Why should the family select the least expensive services available in the foreign country?

legalization

process by which embassy representatives authenticate documents necessary for international shipment of remains. These documents will have the seal of the gov't agency impressed on them and are required for transport.

the agency of each individual state that issues notary or governmental agency seals.

the apostille is obtained by whom?

Zeigler case

zinc-constructed container that has a one piece zinc top that is usually screwed to the bottom of the case.

24 hours

Always allow at least ___ ________ from the time the flight actually arrives in the US to schedule services.

- use of an all-wood outer shipping box with zinc lining - documents translated into their native language

2 possible Special Requirements

- mobility of society today - development of embalming during the Civil War - President Lincoln

3 elements that influenced domestic shipping in the US

The seal of the embassy or consulate

After inspection and sealing the casket, the containers are sealed by cords/ribbons tied around the casket and held in place by sealing wax impressed with what?