What to Do When Someone Dies

When you are faced with the unfortunate event of a loved one’s passing, you need to know what do to immediately – right then and there. The most pressing need upon death is caring for the body. State laws determine what must be done and what can be done. Regardless of the state, the immediate steps are always dictated by two factors: where the death took place and the circumstances of death.

If the person dies in a medical facility such as a hospital or hospice, the attending medical personnel will sign the death certificate and release the body for disposition.

If the person dies anywhere else, call the police by dialing 911. While state laws vary, in general this is what happens next. If the decedent was elderly or expected to die, the medical examiner will be dispatched. If the medical examiner determines that the body died of natural causes, the medical examiner will sign the death certificate and the body will be released. If the cause of death cannot be determined, was the result of an accident, or involved potential foul play, the medical examiner will retrieve the body for an autopsy. Once the autopsy is complete, the medical examiner will sign the death certificate and the body will be released for disposition.

Lisa S.
July 18, 2010