What should you do when a death occurs?

If someone dies, what's the first thing you should do?

The first thing most people do is to call an ambulance as there may be a chance of resuscitation. The paramedics are usually the first professional people at the scene and confirm that the person has died.

It is actually the job of the family doctor (or a locum if necessary) to confirm the fact of death, and later complete a death certificate (and a cremation certificate if required).

Once the doctor has left, you will need us to arrange the transfer of the deceased into our care. Some people may like to spend some private time with the deceased prior to the transfer, and you shouldn't worry about what time you call, because we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What happens when someone dies in a hospital or nursing home?

If the person died at a public hospital, hospital administration will complete most of the formalities required for the issuing of death and other certificates. This is where the family will need to contact us directly.

If the person died at an aged care facility or private hospital, where there might not be any mortuary amenities, the staff usually contact us to arrange a prompt transfer. You may be required to notify the aged care facility of your choice of funeral director.