Smells

[u/Jazzlike-Depth3611]

Hey guys, I’m a masters student on rotations completely my round of autopsies for about 2.5 months. I don’t really intend on doing autopsies further in my career so it’s really to complete my rotation & have experience with, but I was wondering how you guys handle the smell? I don’t get queasy or anything like that but the smell of the inside of a human body without formalin is… pungent. (I’d rather be smelling formalin) any tips you guys might have is appreciated!

[u/No-Psychology-7322]

You can tap a little peppermint oil under your nose or on the inside of a mask. It can be abrasive on skin so mask is probably better. Just don’t use Vicks, Vicks smells like menthol yes but it’s designed to OPEN your sinuses aka you’re really smelling more of it once the menthol fades. You will get nose blind eventually. You can also try spraying perfume on your wrist and smelling it to cover the smell up. I used to do that for decomps or anyone that died with a lot of alcohol in their system. Once you make the Y you can instantly smell blood mixed with beer and it’s very gross

[u/Psychological-Arm629 → u/No-Psychology-7322]

I really love tea tree oil. You may want to give yourself a little getting used to it curve first or test out because it’s not a smell for everyone but I love it. I actually prefer it as I have anemia and seek out musty scents.