The reason you need to keep a body cold is to slow down the deterioration process. The focus is keeping the torso (ie. from the shoulders to the bottom) cold. Prepare a mattress by covering it with a plastic (waterproof) sheet. Use a mattress because it is easier to balance the dry ice packs and the body on, than if you use a hard board.
In Cairns you can purchase dry ice from BOC Gases, 47-51 Buchan Street, Cairns, phone 4035 4616. Dry ice comes in little pellets that you purchase by the kilogram. You’ll need to bring a foam esky to fill with dry ice and transport home. Depending on the weather and the size of the body, you’ll need approximately 7 – 10kg of dry ice per day. Buy one or two days of supply at a time, as the dry ice will evaporate in the esky over time.
Using protective gloves, put small amounts (1L or so) in old pillowcases and form a “bed” under the torso. You will need more at first to cool the body down. In this early stage, also place dry ice packs under the head and a thin one on top of the abdomen. Once the body is cooled, you will need to replace the dry ice less frequently as you are simply keeping the body cool. Be careful not to freeze the body.
Use towels and old pillows to raise the person’s head and legs. This will make the person look more comfortable and will also keep the blood in the torso area. Always use dry ice in a well-ventilated room as it releases carbon dioxide when it evaporates and can cause light-headedness, dizziness or fainting. It is also advisable to air condition the room if you can, but it is difficult to balance ventilation and air-conditioning.
