h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Very interesting post, good technical explanation.
Having worked 'backstage' in Crematoria all over the UK and Europe, I have seen a few cremations. It all becomes interesting when a pacemaker is overlooked.
They explode. More specifically the power packs explode just like most batteries.
The physical damage is not normally serious but it does make you nervous for a while.
I should write an entry about things other than bodies that are put into coffins!
Still nothing like going out with a bang!

Scepticwoody

I've removed a fair number of pacemakers prior to creamation. I was always let to believe by undertakers that if I missed one they would sue me for several thousand pounds!

It is possible for a crematorium to refuse to accept coffins from an undertaker if they have had trouble with cremations. This would seriously affect the undertakers business, hence the threat of legal actions.

scepticwoody