Coping with the sights and smells of forensic work

[elliottd]

I was wondering how different people deal with the situations, sight and smells of forensic radiography. Does it get better or worse over time? Are there some examinations they are ok with and not others? I personally have difficulty with NAI exams but don't mind other things. Any tips for dealing with smells (that work!)?

[mayesa]

The problem with smells is that they linger. Sometimes I have felt like I smelt of the body for hours after the examination. My only strategy is to believe that it is a cadaver, the person (the soul) has left the body so it cannot feel or hear what has happened. It might be something simple, but helped me cope with seeing my first autopsy.

[laurarockrad]

Hi,
I was affected quite alot with the idea that there was a person on my table. I tried to think that the 'real' person wasnt there but that idea just didnt work for me.
In the end I felt a strange kind of comfort in thinking that I was actually finishing something that has been forgotten.
I felt that when someone died, the hospital forgot about them. Sort of like, they were just a hospital number etc. I knew that the families didnt just forget and they needed some type of closure to carry on with their lives. I felt that the person themselves needed answers aswell.
This helped alot. I felt honoured (for a better word) in being one of the ones that didnt forget. One of the ones that wanted to finish it for everyone. I hope this helps

Also, the smell thing----> this may be a bit weird for some but I figured that over loading the senses might help with the body getting used to the smells. So the second I walk in I take a real deep breathe in through my nose. I find it helps...not sure if its psychological or not though!

Take care. xx