What to do when someone dies at home?

When someone dies at home

If the death was unexpected, immediately dial 999 and request both an ambulance and the police. The operator will guide you on what to do, including whether you should attempt to resuscitate the person. Paramedics will either carry out resuscitation or confirm the death. Avoid disturbing the area, except for any actions taken during resuscitation efforts.

When someone dies at home, and the death was expected, the first step is to call their GP. The GP will usually visit the house, and issue a certificate stating the cause of death. If the deceased did not have a GP or you don’t know their GP’s details, you will need to call an ambulance instead.

If the doctor is unsure about the cause of death, they cannot issue a certificate. In this case, the death must be reported to a coroner, and the body will be taken to a hospital mortuary where a post-mortem examination may be required.

When someone dies at home

Understanding the process after someone dies...

Contact a GP

When someone dies at home, the first step is to contact their GP. The GP will visit the home and, if the death was expected, issue a medical certificate stating the cause of death. If the GP cannot be reached, or if you do not know the GP’s details, call an ambulance instead. This ensures the necessary formalities are initiated promptly.

Unexpected Death

If someone dies unexpectedly, call emergency services immediately by dialing 999. The police and an ambulance will arrive to assist and assess the situation. The body will be transported to a hospital mortuary, and the coroner will be notified to determine the cause of death, which may involve a post-mortem examination.

Issuing a Medical Certificate

If the GP can determine the cause of death, they will issue a medical certificate. This document is essential for registering the death and making funeral arrangements. If the cause of death is unclear or unexpected, the case will be referred to a coroner, who will oversee the necessary investigations to establish the cause of death accurately.

Unexpected or Unclear Cause of Death

When the cause of death is not immediately clear, the coroner steps in to manage the situation. The body will be taken to a hospital mortuary, and a post-mortem examination may be required. This process can take some time but is crucial for accurately determining the cause of death.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare for the death of someone close to me?

Preparing for the death of a loved one is a daunting prospect, and can involve several steps

Emotionally, it can be helpful to spend quality time together and even though it can be difficult, trying to talk openly about how you are both feeling.

Practically, it can be very helpful to ensure that their end-of-life wishes are documented, including any advance directives, wills, or funeral plans. Try to discuss their preferences for medical care and final arrangements.

Finally, seek support from hospice services; they can provide comfort care and support for both the dying person and their family members and friends.

What do I do if someone dies?

If someone dies, it is important to take immediate action:

Confirm the Death: Contact emergency services (999) or the person’s doctor (if the death was expected) to confirm the death and obtain a medical certificate.
Notify Family and Friends: Let close family members and friends know that the person has died.
Contact a Funeral Director: Arrange for the transportation of the body and begin planning the funeral with a funeral director.
Register the Death: Register the death with the local registry office within five days.

How do I get support after a death?

After a death, support can come from several sources.

It’s always a good idea to reach out to family and friends for emotional support. Professional counselling or grief support groups can also be very helpful.
Many communities have bereavement services that offer counselling and practical advice.
Additionally, funeral directors often provide resources for grief support and can guide you through the necessary arrangements.

Bereavement Advice Centre has some useful information and a helpline:

They can give you help and advice on how to register a death and help you to understand what needs to be done after someone dies and in what order.

Contact them on 0800 634 9494. They’re open from 9am to 5pm Mon – Fri, and closed on Bank Holidays.

What to do when someone dies unexpectedly

If someone dies unexpectedly, it is important to take immediate action:

Call Emergency Services: Dial 999 immediately. The police and an ambulance will be dispatched to assist and assess the situation.
Provide Information: Be prepared to provide the emergency responders with relevant information about the deceased and the circumstances of their death, if known.
Follow Instructions: Follow any instructions given by the emergency responders. They may need to perform an initial assessment and gather information.
Transport to Mortuary: The body will be transported to a hospital mortuary, where the coroner will be notified.
Coroner’s Investigation: It is likely that the coroner will investigate the cause of death, which may include a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause. They will guide you on the next steps and any necessary documentation.