Who to Call First When Someone Dies: A Calm Checklist

Who should I call first when someone dies?

1For an unexpected death, call 999 first — police will attend and the coroner will be notified automatically.
2For an expected death at home, call the GP during surgery hours or NHS 111 out of hours — someone will attend to verify the death. In England and Wales a doctor then completes the medical certificate of cause of death and sends it to a medical examiner for review; you never collect or carry it yourself.
3If the person died in a hospital or care home, staff handle the immediate procedures — you do not need to call anyone first.
4Contact a funeral director whenever you are ready — they can collect the person once the death has been verified, and guide you through next steps. You do not need any paperwork in hand first.
5In England and Wales you have 5 days to register, counted from the day the registrar is notified of the cause of death by the medical examiner — not from the date of death. The medical examiner's office will tell you when you can book (Scotland allows 8 days from the date of death; Northern Ireland 5 days).

Expected death at home: call the GP or palliative care team to verify the death. A doctor then completes the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) and sends it to a medical examiner, who reviews it and notifies the registrar. Unexpected death: call 999; police will attend and notify the coroner. Hospital/care home: staff handle everything. Then contact a funeral director (can wait 1-2 days) and register the death within 5 days of the registrar being notified of the cause of death, and notify family first.

Priority order at a glance:

Emergency services (if unexpected death)

GP or NHS 111 (if expected death)

Immediate family (spouse, children, parents)

Funeral director

Work/school notifications

Extended family and friends

Priority 1: Emergency Services (Unexpected Death)

Call 999 immediately if:

• Death was sudden or unexpected

• You don't know the cause of death

• The person was not under medical care

• Death may have been caused by accident or violence

• You're unsure what to do

Don't move the person or disturb the scene. Police and paramedics will guide you.

Priority 1: Medical Services (Expected Death)

For expected deaths, call:

GP surgery (during hours: 8am-6pm weekdays)

NHS 111 (out of hours, weekends, bank holidays)

District nurse (if involved in care)

Hospice (if person was under hospice care)

Care home (if death occurred in residential care)

Priority 2: Immediate Family

Once death is confirmed, notify immediate family in this order:

Spouse or partner - if not already present
Adult children - direct family first
Parents - if they're still alive
Siblings - brothers and sisters

Keep initial calls brief. Just share the essential information - details can follow later.

Priority 3: Funeral Director

Contact a funeral director within 24 hours:

They'll guide you through next steps
Can collect the person once the death has been verified — they do not need the medical certificate first
Will explain local procedures and timelines
Can recommend other services you might need

Tip:

Many funeral directors operate 24/7. Even if you call late at night or early morning, they can provide initial guidance and arrange collection.

Priority 4: Work and School Notifications

Your employer:

Notify HR or your manager as soon as possible
Arrange bereavement leave
Discuss flexible working if needed

Schools (if applicable):

Children's schools - they can provide support
University (if deceased was a student)
Adult education providers

Extended Family and Friends

These calls can wait until after the first day but should be made within a few days:

Extended family (aunts, uncles, cousins)
Close friends
Neighbours
Religious or community leaders
Former colleagues

Consider designating helpers:

Ask close family members or friends to help make these calls. Create a list and divide it among several people to share the emotional burden.

What to Say When You Call

Simple script for family/friends:

"I have some very sad news. [Name] died [today/yesterday] [at home/in hospital]. The death was [expected/sudden]. I wanted you to know. I'll call you with more details about arrangements when I have them."

For professional services:

"I need to report that [Name], who was born [date] and lived at [address], died [today/yesterday]. I need guidance on what to do next."

Contact Priority Checklist

🚨 Immediate (Within 2 Hours)

999 (unexpected death) or GP/NHS 111 (expected death)
Spouse/partner, children, parents

⚡ Within 24 Hours

Funeral director
Your employer/HR department
Children's schools (if applicable)

📞 Within 2-3 Days

Extended family (siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins)
Close friends and neighbours
Religious/community leaders, former colleagues

Remember

Making these calls is emotionally draining. Ask family members or close friends to help share the calls. Keep a list of who has been contacted to avoid confusion later.