Who to Call First When Someone Dies
Who should I call first when someone dies?
Expected death at home: call the GP or palliative care team to issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). 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 the registrar to register the death (within 5 days), and notify family first.
Have more questions on UK death administration? Let Farra help.
- 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 body when medical certificate is ready
- Will explain local procedures and timelines
- Can recommend other services you might need
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.
Related Guides
What to Do When Someone Dies
A practical step-by-step guide to handling death admin in the UK — from the first 5 days to dealing with the estate.
What to Do When Someone Dies at Home
Step-by-step guide for handling a death at home, including who to call, what to expect, and immediate next steps.
What to Do When Someone Dies in Hospital
Complete guide to hospital death procedures, bereavement offices, and collecting belongings and documentation.
Emergency Checklist: First Day After Death
Critical tasks for the first 24 hours after someone dies. A clear, prioritized checklist when you're overwhelmed.
First Week After Death: Complete Checklist
Comprehensive day-by-day guide for the first week, prioritizing urgent tasks and managing overwhelming responsibilities.