What to do when someone dies
The first contact to be made is the person’s doctor. The doctor will visit and view the deceased and then issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. If for some reason the Doctor is unable to attend, they will authorise a qualified person such as paramedic, ambulance officer or nurse to complete a Declaration of Life Extinct Form.
Having done this they will undertake to visit the deceased, usually at the funeral director’s premises, and complete the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. Once either of these forms has been completed, the funeral director is able to transfer the deceased into their care. If you have any uncertainty, all you need do is call us and we will advise you.
If death occurs in hospital, or another care facility such as a nursing home or hospice, the staff of that facility will attend to arranging these formalities.
In certain instances the doctor may feel that they are unable to issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. In these circumstances it is necessary to contact the police so that the State Coroner’s Office can become involved. This will usually happen if the death is sudden or unexpected, or other than by natural causes. Your Funeral Director will liaise with the Coroner’s Office on your behalf.
