Instructions for TWO People

SHROUDING INSTRUCTIONS FOR TWO PEOPLE


SETUP


  • Make sure all shroud ties are untied. If you would like to use a backboard or any absorbent material, insert into the inside pocket before getting started. Set aside.

  • If they are to be buried in any natural fibre clothing, ensure they are dressed before shrouding.

  • Gently slide the deceased to one side of the bed, if they are on top of a sheet it can be helpful to use that to pull them over.

  • Place the shroud beside their body on the cleared side of the bed, and open up both panels of the shroud.



SHROUDING


  • Person ONE: Pull and Roll - cradle the deceased by leaning over them and placing one hand behind their far shoulder and one hand behind their far hip, then lift and pull towards yourself until they roll onto their side. Hold them here while-

  • Person TWO: Tuck - tuck shroud underneath them as best you can. It doesn’t have to be all the way underneath.

  • Person ONE: Release - gently roll their body back down onto the shroud.


If Person ONE and TWO are on opposite sides:

  • Person TWO: Pull and Roll - now do the same initial “pull and roll” technique towards yourself.

  • Person ONE: Pull - pull the shroud open so it is now centered under them.


If Person ONE and TWO are on the same side.

  • Person ONE: Lift and Roll - Place one hand under the deceased’s near shoulder and one under their near hip, then lift and push away from yourself until they roll onto their side. Hold them here while-

  • Person TWO: Pull - pull the shroud open so it is now centered under the body.



CLOSING


There are six tie pairs inside the shroud, and five tie pairs on the outside. For visitation, you may leave the last few head end ties open.


  • Pull the inner panel across and closed, ensuring their feet are tucked underneath, and tie the six inside ties starting at the foot-end and working your way up towards the head. 

  • Pull the outer panel across and closed, and tie the five outer ties up beginning from the foot-end working your way up to the head.






CARRYING TIPS


Please ensure you go over these safety tips with everyone involved before moving or lifting the deceased. 


  • There are eight handles available for carrying, and a minimum of four people recommended for safer carrying. If you have more than eight people participating you can always have someone leading at the foot end and someone further supporting at the head end.

  • The strongest and tallest people should be at the hip and shoulder handles.

  • First make a plan of how and where you will be moving before lifting the body to ensure everyone knows where they are going. 

  • Check that all carrying pathways are free and clear of tripping hazards. If you are walking over uneven ground, those at the front should be mindful of mentioning any upcoming obstacles like a dip in the ground, a rock etc.

  • If they are being moved to a vehicle ensure that all doors are open first, or have someone leading that can open doors for you.

  • If you are carrying your loved one down any stairs, guide them down the stairs with the foot end leading, keeping the head elevated.

  • Before lifting, always be sure you are lifting at the same time together. Count to three- one, two, three, lift.

  • Remember to lift by bending your legs, do not lift with your back.

  • Do a test lift in place so that everyone knows how much weight they will be supporting and check that they have a secure and comfortable grip on their handle. 

  • If you need a break, say so, and pick an area that you have enough flat space to gently lower the shroud down to reset. 

  • There is no need to rush, take your time and communicate with each other.