What to do Should a Death Happen in Your Family.

It is important to know what the proper procedure is for contacting the necessary authorities or individuals that will assist you during this time.Many families have opted to use a Hospice or Health care agency in place of a hospital to assist them while they are coping with a life threatening illness for a family member. After the death happens this agency will contact the physician, medical examiner and the funeral home so that the family will not be further burdened during this critical time. The Medical Examiner’s office must be notified of all deaths occurring in a private residence. If Hospice or a Home Health service is not being retained by the family for their loved one but is under the care of a physician, family or friends may call the funeral home directly and they will take care of contacting the appropriate personnel or agency.

If a 911 is summoned and the police or fire/ambulance respond to your home then they will proceed with the proper investigation and then notify the funeral home. If a death has occurred at a home and no one was in attendance then the police will need to be summoned to investigate, they in turn will notify the medical examiner and then the funeral home is notified by them. When a death occurs at a hospital or other institution they will notify the physician and the family. If they are not aware of which funeral home to call they will ask the family for this information unless they have requested it in advance. Should you have any concerns or further questions about the proper procedure please contact your funeral home for assistance. At City View Funeral Home & Cemetery we are here for you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to assist you in your time of need. Advance planning gives you a guideline that can help answer many questions and alleviate the concern as to what should be done should a death happen in your family.

For more information email City View at  info@city-view.org