Dealing with the smell of Dead Bodies

Medieval uses to what we use now

Tyler Gerig

MEDIEVAL uses "Hazmat" Suit

Birdlike Mask of the Plague Doctor

The doctors may have thought that dressing up in a bird-like gas mask, the plague would be transferred from the patient to the garment. This beak piece was also filled with vinegar, sweet oils, and other strong-smelling chemicals to mask the stench of death and unburied bodies.

MEDIEVAL USES "HAZMAT" SUIT (Cont)

Large Brimmed Hat

This was believed to be used partially to shield the doctor from bacteria.

Red Glass Eyes in the Mask

Apparently the Doctors thought that the eyepieces would make them seem evil (deadly disease)

The Overcoat and Leather Breeches

Simply put, these were used to shield the doctors from plague, flesh of the infected and were coated in wax to keep the fluids off as well as leather in the armpits, neck and groin areas.

The Wooden Cane

The Doctors used the cane to direct people on how to move the infected and examine them without direct contact.

Title

Modern Day Hazmat Suit

s/Dealing with the Smells

Suit A Suit B

Hazmat Suits Cont.

Suit A

"Hazmat gear will usually be worn in several layers, making it even less comfortable to wear. These layers are taped up at the ankle and wrist, so that there are no gaps for nasty things to enter. After using this equipment in a hazardous environment, the wearer will have to be decontaminated before removing the suit."

Suit B

"The outer layer is a completely sealed, "Level A" full encapsulation suit. The suit has a one way (exhaust) pressure bleed valve. This is required because as the wearer exhales, the used air must go somewhere. Even with this valve, the suits tend to blow up like balloons. When sealed up, the wearer is completely isolated from the outside atmosphere. Nothing (hopefully) can get in, and, unfortunately, almost nothing (including body heat and sweat) can get out. These suits are comprised of up to a dozen protective layers."

Dealing with the Smell Modern Day

Things that people use in Morgues to deal with the smell of a dead decomposing body

Today bodies are usually frozen priory to the autopsy to help reduce the smell, but some people use Vick's Vaporub on their mask to help decongest their nose. Some say peppermint under the nose helps with the smell as well as Carmex on their lips or under their nose.