WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE DIES?

At some time during our lives death will touch and affect us all. It will come to a family member or close friend and may cause much grief and can change our lives in many ways. Despite its inevitability, death is rarely discussed and as a result death and its consequences are often not understood.

By having a basic knowledge and some understanding of death, this can help prepare for its eventuality, and how to cope with the practicalities associated with death. Some basic knowledge of what to do when someone dies will help in the next phase which is the shock and grief stage. No two people deal with death and grief in the same way, and there is no right or wrong way to cope with grief, however, it is a vital part of the recovery process following the death of a loved one.

WHO DO I CONTACT

Whether the death occurs at home, in hospital or in a public place, the first person to contact is generally a doctor or Division 1 nurse who will liaise with a doctor.  The next point of contact, aside from family members and friends, is the funeral director of your choice, who will arrange the transfer of the deceased and can begin making the desired funeral arrangements.  Funeral Directors are there to help and can assist you at any hour of the day or night.

If the death was not expected or was caused in an accident, the person will be transferred to the State Coroner’s Office. Although the funeral will not be immediate, it can be helpful if we meet and start to plan the funeral.