What to Do Immediately When Someone Dies
Losing a loved one is a difficult experience, and knowing what steps to take can help ease some of the stress. Here’s a guide on what to do immediately after someone dies at home, in a hospital, in a hospice, or abroad.
When Someone Dies at Home
If a death occurs at home, the steps you take depend on whether it was expected or unexpected.
If the Death Was Expected
Call the Doctor or Healthcare Provider – If the person was receiving medical care, their doctor or palliative care team should be contacted to confirm the death and issue a medical certificate.
Contact a Funeral Director – Once the death has been verified, a funeral home can be called to transport the body.
Inform Close Family and Friends – Notify those closest to the deceased.
Register the Death – You will need to register the death with the local authorities within the required time frame (varies by country).
If the Death Was Unexpected
Call Emergency Services (911 or Local Equivalent) – If the person was not under medical care, authorities must be notified. Paramedics will confirm the death.
Inform the Police (If Required) – If the death is sudden or unexplained, the police may need to investigate, and a post-mortem may be required.
Contact a Funeral Director – Once the body is released, a funeral home can take over arrangements.
When Someone Dies in a Hospital
Hospitals have procedures in place for handling deaths.
Hospital Staff Will Confirm the Death – A doctor will certify the death and issue a medical certificate.
Speak to the Bereavement Office – The hospital’s bereavement team will help with documentation and inform you of next steps.
Choose a Funeral Home – You will need to arrange for transportation of the body.
Register the Death – Obtain the official death certificate from the local registry office.
When Someone Dies in a Hospice
Hospices provide end-of-life care, so staff will guide you through the process.
Hospice Staff Will Verify the Death – They will issue the necessary documentation.
Arrange for Transportation – Contact a funeral home to collect the body.
Notify Family and Friends – Inform those closest to the deceased.
Register the Death – Obtain the death certificate from local authorities.
When Someone Dies Abroad
A death in another country requires additional legal and logistical steps.
Contact the Local Authorities – Report the death to the police or medical authorities in that country.
Notify the Embassy or Consulate – They can assist with documentation and repatriation if needed.
Obtain a Death Certificate – This may need to be translated and legalized for use in your home country.
Decide on Repatriation or Local Burial – If bringing the body home, a funeral director specializing in repatriation will be needed.
Inform Insurance Providers – If the deceased had travel insurance, it may cover repatriation costs.
People Involved in the Death and Funeral Process
Several professionals and officials play a role in ensuring all legal, medical, and ceremonial aspects are handled properly.
Medical and Legal Professionals
Doctor or Medical Practitioner – Confirms the death and issues a medical certificate.
Coroner or Medical Examiner – Investigates unexpected or suspicious deaths and may order a post-mortem.
Police Officers – Involved if the death was sudden, unexplained, or due to an accident.
Registrar of Deaths – Officially records the death and issues a death certificate.
Funeral and Bereavement Professionals
Funeral Director – Helps arrange transport, burial, cremation, and funeral services.
Celebrant -Meets with family and plans ceremony or service
Embalmer – Prepares the body for viewing or burial if required.
Cemetery or Crematorium Staff – Manage the burial or cremation process.
Bereavement Officer (Hospitals & Hospices) – Guides families through necessary paperwork and next steps.