What To Do When Someone Dies: 48 Hours

The hours immediately following a death are simultaneously emotionally overwhelming and administratively demanding. During this difficult time, you face the profound impact of loss while needing to make numerous practical decisions and notifications. Understanding the essential steps required in the first 48 hours helps ensure both proper care of the deceased and appropriate support for those grieving, while fulfilling necessary legal obligations specific to Australia and the United Kingdom.

Immediate Actions: The First Hours

When someone dies, certain steps must be taken promptly, regardless of location.

If Death Occurs at Home

According to the Australian Department of Health, these immediate actions are necessary when someone dies at home:

Contact appropriate authorities:
- Expected death: Call the deceased's doctor
- Unexpected death: Call emergency services (000 in Australia, 999 in UK)
Do not move the body until officially pronounced deceased
Contact close family members who should be informed immediately
Note the time when death was discovered
Secure any pets that may need immediate care

"When death occurs at home, determining whether it was expected or unexpected dictates your first steps," explains Evaheld's bereavement guide. "For expected deaths where palliative care was involved, contact the attending physician rather than emergency services."

If Death Occurs in Hospital

When death occurs in a healthcare setting:

Hospital staff will officially pronounce the death
Ask about immediate paperwork you'll need to sign
Inquire about collecting personal belongings
Request information about next steps and timeline
Ask about any hospital-specific procedures
Determine how long the body will remain at the facility

If Death Occurs in a Public Place or from Accident

In cases of unexpected death outside the home:

Emergency services must be contacted immediately
Police will likely attend and take statements
The coroner will typically become involved
Do not disturb anything at the scene
Be prepared to provide identification and relationship information
Understand that additional investigations may delay usual arrangements

The UK Government advises: "Unexpected deaths, particularly those occurring outside medical settings, typically require coronial involvement. This may extend the timeline for making funeral arrangements, as additional examinations may be necessary."

Getting a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death

This essential document must be obtained before proceeding with registration and funeral arrangements.

Australian Requirements

In Australia, the process works as follows:

For expected deaths: The attending doctor issues the certificate if they've seen the deceased in the past three months
For unexpected deaths: The coroner becomes involved and issues documentation after investigation
Certificate must be obtained before cremation can be approved
No fee is typically charged for this certificate
Multiple copies may be needed for various purposes

UK Requirements

The UK process has specific requirements:

The attending doctor issues a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)
Doctor must have seen the deceased within the last 14 days (or 28 days in Scotland)
Certificate must be taken to the Registrar's Office within 5 days (8 days in Scotland)
If the doctor cannot issue the certificate, the death will be referred to the coroner
The certificate is free of charge

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Registering the Death: Legal Requirements

Registration makes the death official in government records and provides documentation needed for financial and legal matters.

Australian Registration Process

In Australia, registration requirements include:

Must be registered with the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registry in the state/territory where the death occurred
Registration must typically occur within 7 days
The funeral director often handles this process
Documentation required includes:
- Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
- Personal details of the deceased (full name, address, occupation)
- Death registration form
Death certificates can be ordered at time of registration

The Australian Funeral Directors Association advises: "While funeral directors typically handle death registration, understanding the process and requirements helps family members ensure all necessary information is provided accurately."

UK Registration Process

The UK process has specific timeframes and requirements:

Must be registered within 5 days in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (8 days in Scotland)
Registration occurs at the Register Office in the district where the death occurred
The informant (person registering the death) is typically a relative
Documentation required includes:
- Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
- Deceased's NHS number and birth certificate (if available)
- Deceased's personal details
Several death certificates should be obtained for various institutions

According to the UK National Health Service, "Registering the death provides you with the death certificates needed for notifying financial institutions, government agencies, and for probate purposes. Obtaining multiple copies is advisable as original documents are typically required."

Arranging for Care of the Deceased

Immediate decisions about the deceased's body must be made within the first 48 hours.

Contacting Funeral Directors

When selecting a funeral director:

Consider contacting 2-3 funeral homes for price comparisons
Ask about their availability in your timeframe
Inquire about their experience with specific religious or cultural requirements
Discuss transportation and short-term care options
Request a detailed breakdown of costs
Verify their professional registration and qualifications

Evaheld's funeral planning guide suggests: "Even in this emotional time, taking an hour to compare services and costs between funeral directors can prevent financial strain during an already difficult period."

Immediate Decisions Required

Several time-sensitive choices must be made:

Whether the body will be embalmed
If viewing or visitation will be arranged
When the body will be transferred to the funeral home
Whether organ donation is applicable (check if registered)
Preliminary funeral timing considerations
Religious or cultural requirements for body preparation

Temporary Care Options

If immediate arrangements cannot be finalized:

Funeral homes can provide temporary care
Hospital mortuaries may hold the body for a limited time
In some circumstances, home care may be possible with professional support
Cooling facilities are required in most jurisdictions

The National Association of Funeral Directors explains: "Most funeral directors have facilities to care for the deceased for several weeks if necessary, allowing families time to make thoughtful arrangements without rushing decisions."

Notifications Within the First 48 Hours

Certain individuals and organizations should be notified immediately, while others can wait until after initial arrangements are made.

Priority Notifications

These contacts should occur within the first 48 hours:

Immediate family and close friends
Employer or business partners of the deceased
Doctor/GP of the deceased
Carers or home help services
Religious or spiritual advisor
Anyone scheduled to visit the deceased
Pet care arrangements if needed

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Secondary Notifications

These can typically wait until after the first 48 hours:

Extended family and wider friend circle
Insurance companies (life insurance should be notified reasonably promptly)
Government agencies (tax, benefits, pension)
Banks and financial institutions
Utilities and service providers
Landlord or housing association
Clubs and membership organizations

Evaheld's bereavement communication guide advises: "Consider designating a family member or close friend to manage the notification process. Creating a contact list and script can make this difficult task more manageable."

Financial Considerations: Immediate Needs

Several financial matters require attention in the first 48 hours.

Understanding Funeral Costs

Be prepared for these potential expenses:

Funeral director's professional fees
Transport of the deceased
Coffin or casket
Cemetery or crematorium fees
Death notice publications
Flowers and other ceremonial elements
Celebrant or clergy honorarium

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission notes: "Funeral costs in Australia typically range from $4,000 for a basic cremation to $15,000+ for more elaborate services. Understanding these costs upfront helps with financial planning during an emotionally challenging time."

Checking for Pre-paid Arrangements

Before making financial commitments:

Check the deceased's paperwork for pre-paid funeral plans
Look for funeral insurance policies
Review their will for funeral instructions
Contact their lawyer if you believe arrangements exist
Check with local funeral homes who might hold pre-paid plans

Immediate Financial Access

In the short term, be aware of:

Joint accounts may remain accessible to the surviving account holder
Sole accounts will typically be frozen until probate
Some banks offer limited funeral expense payments from the deceased's accounts
Life insurance typically requires a death certificate before processing

The Money and Pensions Service (UK) advises: "Many banks have bereavement teams who can guide you through accessing funds for funeral expenses and managing the deceased's accounts. Contact them as soon as practical to understand the specific processes."

Supporting Yourself and Others

The emotional impact requires attention alongside practical matters.

Self-Care During Bereavement

Important considerations include:

Ensure basic needs are met (sleep, nutrition, hydration)
Accept offers of practical help from others
Recognize that shock may affect decision-making
Consider having someone accompany you to appointments
Take breaks from administrative tasks when needed
Understand that grief affects people differently

Supporting Children and Vulnerable Adults

Special considerations include:

Provide clear, age-appropriate information
Maintain routines where possible
Be available for questions and discussions
Consider professional support if needed
Include them appropriately in discussions and rituals
Watch for signs of difficulty coping

According to the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement, "Children benefit from honest, age-appropriate explanations about death rather than confusing euphemisms. Their inclusion in appropriate aspects of the process helps them understand and begin processing their grief."

Cultural and Religious Considerations

Different traditions have specific requirements that may affect the first 48 hours.

Time-Sensitive Religious Requirements

Some faith traditions require specific actions shortly after death:

Islamic Traditions:

Burial ideally within 24 hours
Specific washing and shrouding rituals
Body should remain oriented toward Mecca

Jewish Traditions:

Burial typically within 24 hours where possible
Continuous watching of the body (shemira)
Specific washing rituals performed by burial society

Hindu Traditions:

Cremation typically within 24 hours
Family-performed washing rituals
Specific clothing requirements

The Interfaith Network emphasizes: "Communicating religious requirements to healthcare providers, funeral directors, and officials is essential to ensure appropriate care of the deceased according to their faith traditions."

Creating a 48-Hour Checklist

A systematic approach helps manage essential tasks during this overwhelming time.

Immediate Actions Checklist

Contact doctor or emergency services
Notify immediate family members
Obtain Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
Contact funeral director
Secure deceased's residence and valuables
Arrange care for dependents and pets
Begin gathering deceased's personal information
Check for pre-paid funeral arrangements
Start notification list for family and friends

Documentation Gathering Checklist

Begin collecting:

Deceased's birth certificate
Marriage/divorce certificates if applicable
Will (if readily accessible)
Medicare card/NHS number
Tax file number/National Insurance number
Bank account details
Insurance policies
Pension information
Property deeds

Evaheld's bereavement organization guide suggests: "Creating a dedicated folder for death-related paperwork helps keep important documents organized during this overwhelming period, preventing additional stress from misplaced documentation."

Conclusion: Navigating the First Steps

The first 48 hours following a death involve navigating both profound emotions and necessary practicalities. By understanding the essential steps required in Australia or the UK, you can move through this difficult time with greater clarity and confidence. Remember that while certain tasks are time-sensitive, compassionate care for both the deceased and the bereaved remains the priority.

Funeral directors, bereavement counselors, and various support services exist specifically to guide you through this challenging period. Don't hesitate to lean on these professional resources, as well as friends and family, as you navigate these initial days of loss.

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What To Do When Someone Dies (AU & UK): First 48 Hours