Losing a loved one is never easy, but it can be especially difficult when the death is unattended. An unattended death is when someone passes away without anyone present to witness it. If you find yourself in this situation, it is important to know what steps to take. In this article, we will guide you through the process of what to do in the event of an unattended death event.
Call Emergency Services
The first thing you should do is call emergency services. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Inform the operator that you have found an unresponsive individual, and that you believe they have passed away. The emergency services will dispatch a team to the scene.
Secure the Scene
Until the authorities arrive, it is important to secure the scene to prevent any tampering or interference with the evidence. Do not touch anything or move anything in the room. If there are any pets or children present, make sure they are taken care of and kept away from the scene.
Notify the Next of Kin
Once the authorities arrive and confirm the death, they will ask for identification of the deceased. If you are a family member or know who the next of kin is, you should notify them as soon as possible. The authorities will also try to locate the next of kin using any identification found at the scene.
Contact a Funeral Home
After the authorities have completed their investigation and released the body, the next of kin should contact a funeral home to make arrangements for the deceased’s final disposition. The funeral home will guide you through the process of planning and can help with any questions or concerns you may have.
Notify Relevant Parties
If the deceased was employed, you should notify their employer. If they were receiving government benefits, you should notify the relevant agency. If they had a lawyer or accountant, you should notify them as well. This will help ensure that any outstanding matters are taken care of.
Seek Support
Dealing with an unattended death can be very emotional and overwhelming. It is important to seek support from friends and family, or a professional if needed. Grief counseling and therapy can help you process your emotions and work through your grief.
FAQs
What is an unattended death?
An unattended death is when someone passes away without anyone present to witness it.
What should I do if I find an unresponsive individual?
Call emergency services immediately and inform the operator that you believe the individual has passed away.
Should I touch anything at the scene of an unattended death?
No, it is important to secure the scene to prevent any tampering or interference with the evidence.
How can I notify the next of kin?
If you are a family member or know who the next of kin is, you should notify them as soon as possible. The authorities will also try to locate the next of kin using any identification found at the scene.
Where can I seek support after an unattended death?
You can seek support from friends and family, or a professional if needed. Grief counseling and therapy can help you process your emotions and work through your grief.
If you need help dealing with the aftermath of an unattended death, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are Vancouver’s premier trauma scene clean up company serving the entire Lower Mainland since 1998.
check out our youtube channel for videos on trauma scene cleanup
