Preparation and Transportation for Direct Cremation
At Cremations Direct, we understand that the care and respect shown to your loved one during the preparation and transportation process is of utmost importance. Our streamlined approach ensures dignity and efficiency while adhering to all legal and ethical standards. This guide will walk you through each step of the process, from the initial collection to the final cremation.
Preparation
Simplicity and Dignity
Direct cremation is characterised by its simplicity, focusing on the essentials while maintaining the utmost respect for the deceased.
No Embalming Required
Unlike traditional funerals, direct cremation does not involve embalming or extensive body preparation. This approach is more environmentally friendly and keeps costs lower for families.
How Cremations Direct Helps: We ensure your loved one is treated with dignity throughout the process. While we don’t perform embalming, we do carry out necessary hygienic preparation to maintain the deceased’s dignity.
Eco-Friendly Coffins
Your loved one is placed in a simple, environmentally friendly coffin. These coffins are designed to be dignified yet sustainable, minimising environmental impact.
How Cremations Direct Helps: We offer a range of eco-friendly coffin options. Our team can guide you through the choices available, ensuring you find an option that aligns with your values and preferences.
Medical Device Removal
For safety reasons, certain medical devices, such as pacemakers, must be removed before cremation. These devices can pose risks during the cremation process.
How Cremations Direct Helps: Our experienced team is trained to identify and safely remove any medical devices that could compromise the cremation process. We handle this step with the utmost care and professionalism.
Identity Verification
Maintaining the identity of your loved one throughout the process is crucial. We employ rigorous procedures to ensure there are no mix-ups.
How Cremations Direct Helps: We use a robust tagging system and perform multiple identity checks throughout the process. Our staff are trained to follow strict protocols, giving you peace of mind that your loved one is correctly identified at every stage.
Transportation
Collection of the Deceased
The journey begins with the collection of your loved one from the place of death, whether it’s a hospital, care home, or private residence.
How Cremations Direct Helps: We offer a 24/7 collection service. Our team arrives promptly in discreet, specially equipped vehicles. We liaise with all relevant parties (e.g., hospital staff, care home workers) to ensure a smooth and respectful collection.
Transfer to Our Facilities
Following collection, we transport your loved one either to our mortuary facilities or directly to the crematorium, depending on the circumstances and timing.
How Cremations Direct Helps: Our vehicles are designed for dignified transportation. We use routes that prioritise smoothness and efficiency. Throughout the journey, your loved one is treated with the same respect as if they were in your care.
Final Transfer to Crematorium
If the initial transfer was to our mortuary, we then arrange the final transfer to the crematorium when the time comes for cremation.
How Cremations Direct Helps: We coordinate all aspects of this transfer, ensuring it happens at the appropriate time in line with the cremation schedule. Our team handles all the logistics, relieving you of this burden during a difficult time.
The Cremation Process
Timing
In line with guidelines from the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management, cremation usually occurs within 72 hours of collection.
How Cremations Direct Helps: We manage the scheduling to ensure timely cremation while allowing flexibility for families who may need more time. We keep you informed about the timeline and can accommodate special requests where possible.
The Procedure
The cremation itself is a respectful process that typically takes 2-3 hours. Your loved one is placed in their eco-friendly coffin into the cremation chamber, where high temperatures reduce the body to ashes.
How Cremations Direct Helps: We ensure each cremation is conducted individually, maintaining the dignity of your loved one. Our state-of-the-art facilities and trained staff adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and respect throughout the process.
Post-Cremation
Ashes Collection
Following the cremation, the ashes are carefully collected and processed. They are typically ready within 48 hours.
How Cremations Direct Helps: We handle the ashes with the utmost care and respect. We offer flexible options for returning the ashes to you, including personal collection, delivery, or scattering in a garden of remembrance at the crematorium if preferred.
Our Commitment to You
At Cremations Direct, we understand that entrusting your loved one to our care is a significant act of faith. We honour that trust by maintaining the highest standards of care, dignity, and respect throughout the preparation and transportation process.
Our team is available to answer any questions you may have about these procedures. We believe in transparency and are always happy to provide more details or explanations about any aspect of our services.
Choosing direct cremation allows you to focus on remembering and celebrating your loved one’s life. By handling the practical aspects with efficiency and care, we aim to provide you with peace of mind during this difficult time.
For more information about our preparation and transportation processes, or to arrange a direct cremation, please don’t hesitate to contact our compassionate team. We’re here to support you every step of the way.