Pre-Cremation Process:

1. Cleaning and Dressing: Initially, the body is bathed, cleaned, and dressed. It is not embalmed unless there’s a specific request for public viewing.
2. Removal of Personal and Medical Items: Jewelry and personal items intended for preservation are removed. Mechanical medical devices and those containing batteries, like pacemakers, are also taken out to avoid potential hazards during the cremation. Pins, screws, and other joint fixtures, however, remain intact. Medical devices are never reused and are responsibly disposed of or recycled.

Cremation Procedure:

1. Identification and Legal Approval: The deceased’s identity is confirmed before cremation. A legal approval, typically a signature from the next-of-kin, is obtained, granting permission for the cremation. Generally, a mandatory waiting period (24-48 hours after death) can vary depending on state regulations.
2. Insertion into a Container: The body is placed in a designated container, either a specialized cremation casket or a robust, combustible cardboard box. The primary requirement is that the container must be sturdy and flammable.
3. The Cremation Process: The container holding the body is put into the cremation chamber, which is lined with fire-resistant bricks capable of withstanding intense heat up to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. The body is exposed to this high heat, reducing it primarily to bone fragments. The entire process can span several hours, influenced by the body’s size and weight.
4. Post-Cremation Processing: Post-cremation, any leftover metal is extracted. The bone fragments are then ground down to what is colloquially known as “ashes.” These are diligently collected, placed in a plastic bag, and stored in a temporary plastic container until a final urn is selected. To ensure integrity, stringent procedures are followed, eliminating the chance of misplacements or mixing of remains. Contrary to popular belief, “ashes” are mainly bone fragments. These remains also comprise remnants of the container and other by-products from the incineration process. Typically, cremation yields 3 to 9 pounds of remains, contingent upon the body’s size and the cremation method.

Understanding the cremation process can offer solace, as families can be confident in the dignity and respect with which their loved ones are treated. The resulting ashes, primarily bone fragments, serve as a testament to the life lived, ready to be preserved or scattered as per the family’s wishes.