Coroners are medical examiners who determine the cause and manner of death when someone dies under unusual circumstances. Part of their job involves examining deceased bodies, some of which may be in advanced stages of decomposition. Because of this exposure to unpleasant odors, coroners often use protective equipment like masks, gloves, and special clothing. One important piece of gear coroners use is a substance they put under their nose to help block intense smells.
Vicks VapoRub
One of the most popular products coroners use under their nose is Vicks VapoRub. This menthol-infused gel is commonly used to relieve symptoms of the common cold. However, it has also been adopted by coroners and funeral home workers to cover up unpleasant odors they encounter on the job.
When smeared under the nose, Vicks VapoRub’s strong menthol scent overwhelms the smell receptors. This makes it harder to detect foul odors emanating from decomposing bodies during autopsies and embalming procedures. The cooling sensation it provides under the nose also helps to numb olfactory senses. For these reasons, Vicks has become a staple item for coroners to have on hand.
History of Use by Coroners
The practice of using Vicks VapoRub originated in the early 1900s when the product first became commercially available. Coroners and morticians recognized its odor-blocking abilities early on and began applying it under their noses routinely at crime scenes and in the morgue.
This unofficial method spread by word of mouth over the decades until it eventually became standard practice. Today, most coroners keep a jar of Vicks on hand or in their medical kit specifically for this purpose. Some morgues even provide it for their staff as a necessity for the job.
Effectiveness
Studies have shown Vicks VapoRub to be highly effective at reducing detection of unpleasant odors. The main active ingredients responsible are camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil.
Menthol provides a strong cooling, numbing sensation which helps overwhelm odor receptors. Camphor and eucalyptus oil have a powerful fragrance that masks bad smells. Together, these work to significantly blunt the sense of smell.
According to research, Vicks can render odors approximately 70% less intense. This makes it very useful for managing exposure to the potent smells coroners regularly encounter like decomposition, burnt tissue, vomit, and feces.
Application Techniques
There are a few recommended techniques for maximizing the effectiveness of Vicks VapoRub for coroners:
– Apply a thick layer under each nostril using a finger or cotton swab
– Spread generously on upper lip right below the nose
– Reapply every few hours or when scent starts fading
– Use the ointment version for better adhesion
– Combine with an N95 mask for added odor blocking
With proper application, the smell-blocking protection of Vicks can last for several hours at a time before needing reapplication. This allows coroners to focus on their demanding work without being overwhelmed by unpleasant odors.
Other Substances Used
While Vicks VapoRub is the most common, coroners have been known to use other substances under their nose as well. Some of the other options include:
Menthol Ointments
Similar to Vicks, other menthol-based ointments can be applied under the nose. Examples include Mentholatum, Campho-Phenique, and various generic menthol rubs. These all provide a strong menthol odor that helps mask smells from corpses during autopsy.
Essential Oils
Applying a few drops of certain essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, or camphor oil under the nose has a similar blocking effect against foul odors. Some coroners who prefer natural products opt for these instead of menthol ointments.
Vinegar
Dabbing cotton balls soaked in undiluted white vinegar directly under the nostrils is another traditional method. The acetic acid in vinegar overpowers odor receptors in a different way than menthol. This strong acidic scent can help cover particularly foul smells.
Mouthwash
Some medical examiners use menthol or eucalyptus mouthwash around the nose for the minty odor and cooling sensation. These work similarly to other menthol rubs to overwhelm odor detection.
Tiger Balm
This strong smelling ointment containing camphor, menthol, clove oil and other herbs provides a potent scent that can help block odors emanating from dead bodies. Applying a small amount under the nose gives coroners a barrier against stench during autopsies.
Perfume, Cologne, Aftershave
Masking smells with other more pleasant scents is another strategy. Some coroners use perfume, cologne, aftershave, or essential oils not for their blocking capabilities but to simply cover up bad odors with a preferable one.
Alcohol Prep Pads
Wiping alcohol prep pads or swabs below and around the nose can numb smell receptors. The sanitize properties provide an added layer of protection as well.
Why Blocking Smells is Important
There are a few key reasons why blocking intense odors is so critical for coroners:
Avoid Nausea
Smelling decomposition or decaying flesh can quickly trigger nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. Coroners must avoid this to stay focused and prevent contamination of the body they are working on. Blunting the sense of smell helps greatly with this.
Prevent Sensitization
Repeated exposure to smells can cause sensitization where the olfactory receptors become hyper-responsive to those odors. This adaptation makes the smells even more intense over time. Blocking this sensitization process allows coroners to avoid becoming overpowered by smells that others can tolerate.
Focus on Visual Examination
The duties of a coroner rely heavily on careful visual examination of the deceased. Being overwhelmed by odors can distract from this crucial analysis. By limiting smells with substances under the nose, coroners can zero in on visual inspection without nausea or distraction.
Safety & Comfort
A coroner’s job requires close contact with hazardous materials including chemical toxins, bacteria, viruses, and radiation. Limiting exposure to all of these threats is essential for basic health and safety. Blocking the intake of particles and gases via the nose adds a layer of protection. It also keeps coroners more comfortable allowing them work effectively even in adverse conditions.
Protocols for Use
To optimize odor control and safety, most morgues and medical examiner’s offices have implemented protocols for when and how these substances are used:
– Apply preventatively before exposure rather than after symptoms start
– Reapply every 2-4 hours or when protection seems to be fading
– Use properly fitted N95 masks in conjunction when appropriate
– Have individual use tubes and avoid sharing to prevent contamination
– Choose products that are non-toxic if accidentally ingested
– Take care to avoid contact with eyes and mouth
– Store in a sealed container away from biohazards when not in use
By following best practices like these, coroners can safely and effectively incorporate protective substances into their workflow to minimize issues with intense odors.
Innovations in Odor Control
While traditional options like Vicks VapoRub remain popular for their simplicity and availability, some companies are developing high-tech innovations to combat smells for coroners and other medical professionals:
Active Odor Cancellation
Prototype face masks have been designed with embedded sensors and filters that detect smells and release counteracting molecules to neutralize odors in real time. This active cancellation neutralizes stenches before they reach the nose.
Electronic Odor Blockers
Handheld electronic devices that emit low-frequency vibrations to disrupt odor molecules are being tested. Much like noise-cancelling headphones, these create an invisible barrier to prevent smells from reaching the nasal cavity.
Biotech Enzyme Solutions
Enzymes that break down odor compounds are being incorporated into nasal sprays, rubs, and masks to neutralize smells at the molecular level. These enzymes work to destroy stenches rather than just masking them.
Negative Ion Generators
Devices that flood the air with negatively charged ions have demonstrated ability to neutralize a wide array of microscopic particles including odor molecules. High-capacity portable versions are being evaluated to protect coroners during autopsies.
Hybrid Air Purifying Respirators
Next-generation powered respirators with high-efficiency filters infused with odor neutralizing particles may provide more complete protection than traditional masks. These are still under development but show promise for improved safety and comfort.
Conclusion
Coroners rely on substances like Vicks VapoRub to protect themselves from intense odors that are unavoidable in their vital public health work. By blocking smells, these simple remedies allow medical examiners to focus fully on determining causes of death without nauseating distractions.
While menthol rubs remain the standard, emerging technologies like active odor cancelling masks and enzyme sprays may provide even better solutions. But until such innovations become widely available, dependable products like Vicks will continue helping coroners effectively investigate deaths in the community without being overwhelmed by unpleasant aromas.
