When Someone Dies
Who needs to be contacted when someone dies?
It depends on where and how the death occurred.
Questions? Call Compassionate Funerals Queensland.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Ph 1300 552 987.
When a death is expected...
When someone dies in a hospital or nursing home from a known illness, the family is normally requested to contact a funeral director who will then make arrangements to take the deceased person into their care and ensure that the relevant paperwork is completed.
If a person dies at home and has been recently treated by a doctor, their death will need to be certified by that doctor. As soon as this is done the person can then be transferred into the care of the funeral director.
A treating doctor will complete a 'Cause of Death Certificate' which must be obtained by the funeral director prior to a funeral taking place.
If the death is unexpected...
For example if the death is as a result of an accident, suicide or is suspicious or sudden - the police will need to be notified who will in turn arrange a Government Contracted Undertaker to remove the body from the scene. Note: Often, the Government Contracted Undertaker will also be a funeral director. There is ABSOLUTELY NO OBLIGATION to use their services when arranging a funeral
In this instance, the deceased will normally be under the care of the coroner who will determine the cause of death. Once the coroner has released the body, the funeral can take place.
Then...
The deceased person is respectfully taken to the mortuary where much care is taken to prepare the body for the funeral. This process involves washing, dressing, make up (if required or requested), placing into a coffin or casket.
In the days following a death, funeral arrangements will need to be made and relevant documents need to be completed. We understand that this is a difficult time and therefore arrangements can be made in our comfortable and private Arrangement Rooms or in the comfort of your own home by one of our compassionate and experienced Funeral Directors. At this time, your preferences for the funeral will be discussed, including day and time of the service, flowers, newspaper notices, choice of coffin, etc.
Whilst at the mortuary, your loved one is cared for in a fully equipped, temperature controlled room to slow down the deterioration process. Most funerals take place within a week of a person dying. Any period longer than this may require embalming to prevent further body decay.
On the day of the funeral...
The body is taken by hearse from the mortuary to the venue where the funeral service will take place. The coffin/casket is placed at the front of the church/chapel for the duration of the service. Following the service the cremation or burial takes place either at a crematorium or cemetery of choice.