How to examine a died person?: Safe and respectful initial steps

In the U.S., an official medical pronouncement is legally required to confirm death, as determined by a qualified professional. This guide will explain how to examine a died person with dignity, focusing on the appropriate actions for non-professionals and detailing when to involve emergency services.

Quick Summary

For a non-professional, confirming death involves observing for an absence of vital signs and immediately calling 911 or a medical professional; it is not a medical examination. Prioritizing safety, legality, and respect is paramount during this sensitive time.

Key Points

• Call for Help First: Your primary and most critical action is to call 911 or the appropriate authority (like hospice) immediately upon finding a person who is unresponsive.

• Do Not Perform Medical Procedures: A layperson should not attempt CPR, other life-saving measures, or invasive checks. Observation is the extent of your role.

• Prioritize Safety: Before approaching, ensure the environment is safe for yourself and others. If not, wait for emergency responders.

• Handle with Respect: Treat the deceased with dignity by covering the body with a blanket or sheet and giving privacy to grieving family members.

• Know the Official Process: Legal pronouncement of death must be made by a medical professional or coroner, which is required for the death certificate.

• Document and Notify: Gather important documents and start the process of notifying friends, family, and formal entities like banks and insurance companies.

Your Role in Confirming Unresponsiveness

For a non-professional, such as a family member or first responder, the process is not a clinical 'examination' but a respectful confirmation of unresponsiveness. The goal is to establish that the person is no longer breathing or has a heartbeat, and then to contact the proper authorities. A formal pronouncement of death must be made by a medical doctor, hospice nurse, or other qualified professional.

Observing for Signs of Death Safely

When you approach a person you suspect has died, prioritize your own safety and proceed with respect. If there is any danger, such as fire, gas, or other hazards, do not approach and call 911 from a safe distance.

• Do not move the body unless it is absolutely necessary for safety or at the direction of a professional.
• Gently speak to the person and touch them. Look for any response or sign of consciousness.
• Look and listen for breathing. Place your head near their chest to listen for a heartbeat and watch for the rise and fall of their chest for at least one minute.
• Check for a pulse. Use two fingers to feel for a pulse on the side of their neck (carotid artery) for at least one minute. Do not use your thumb, as it has a pulse of its own.
• Observe their eyes. Look for pupils that are fixed and dilated and show no reaction to light.
• Look for changes in skin. The skin may become pale, waxy, or mottled.

Critical Next Steps After Confirmation

Once you have confirmed the absence of vital signs, immediate action is required. Your response depends on the circumstances of the death.

1. Call Emergency Services (911): If the death was sudden, unexpected, or the person was not under hospice care, call 911 immediately. Follow the dispatcher's instructions carefully. They can guide you on what to do next, including contacting the appropriate authorities like a coroner or medical examiner.
2. Contact Hospice or a Doctor: If the deceased was under hospice care, contact the hospice provider. They have procedures for confirming death and transporting the body. If the deceased was under a doctor's care, call their office for guidance.
3. Refrain from Further Action: Do not attempt any further medical procedures or preparations. Leave the scene and the body as it is for the authorities or medical professionals to assess.

The Legal and Medical Process of Death Pronouncement

A layperson's observation of the signs of death is not a legal pronouncement. This official step is a critical part of the process, particularly for obtaining a death certificate, which is necessary for legal affairs.

The Role of a Medical Professional

A doctor or other qualified professional will perform a clinical examination to confirm the cessation of all vital functions. They document their findings and sign the death certificate. In cases of unexpected or suspicious death, a coroner or medical examiner is required to investigate the cause.

Table: Comparing Response to Death Location

Location of Death	Immediate Action	Who Pronounces Death?	Required Notification	Transporting the Body
At Home (Unexpected)	Call 911 immediately. Do not touch or move the body.	Paramedics/medical personnel at the scene, or a coroner/medical examiner.	Emergency services, coroner/medical examiner.	Emergency services or funeral home under official direction.
At Home (Under Hospice Care)	Contact the hospice provider.	Hospice nurse or attending physician.	Hospice provider, funeral home.	Funeral home or crematorium.
In a Hospital/Facility	Staff will handle all initial procedures and notifications.	Attending physician or hospital medical team.	Family and chosen funeral home.	Hospital staff will arrange transport to the morgue.

Ethical and Respectful Handling of the Deceased

Treating the deceased with dignity and respect is of the utmost importance. While a non-professional should not handle the body more than necessary, there are respectful actions to take.

• Provide a covering. Place a sheet or blanket over the deceased, ensuring they are fully covered but not obscured from view by responding medical personnel.
• Use Standard Precautions. If there is a risk of contact with bodily fluids, it is advisable to wear gloves. While a lower risk for intact remains, standard precautions are best practice to prevent the transmission of pathogens.
• Arrange for privacy. Clear the area of onlookers and create a quiet, private space for family members. Turn off loud televisions or music.
• Be patient with family. Give grieving family members space but remain present and accessible. Avoid rushing them during this initial period of shock.

Finalizing the Arrangements

After the initial steps and official pronouncement, the focus shifts to legal and administrative matters. These tasks can feel overwhelming, but they are a necessary part of the process.

Legal and Administrative Next Steps

1. Obtain the Death Certificate: The death certificate will be issued after the official pronouncement. You will need multiple copies for legal and financial purposes.
2. Contact a Funeral Home: The funeral home will assist with transporting the body, burial or cremation arrangements, and completing necessary paperwork.
3. Review the Will and Estate Plan: If a will or trust exists, it should be reviewed with an attorney. This guides the executor of the estate on the deceased's final wishes.
4. Notify Formal Entities: Contact entities such as the Social Security Administration, banks, insurance companies, and credit bureaus to inform them of the death and prevent identity theft.

For a detailed checklist and further guidance on the legal aspects, refer to resources like those provided by Legal Voice on navigating the process after a death occurs: https://legalvoice.org/after-death-occurs-checklist/.

Conclusion

Understanding how to approach a deceased person is a sensitive but crucial topic. As a non-professional, your primary responsibilities are to ensure safety, observe respectfully, and contact the proper medical and emergency authorities. Following these steps ensures the deceased is treated with dignity and that all legal and administrative requirements are met.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the very first thing I should do if I find someone who appears to have died?

The first thing you should do is ensure your own safety, and then immediately call 911. Do not move or attempt any medical intervention on the person.

Why can't I perform a medical examination myself?

Medical examinations require professional training and are legally restricted to qualified professionals. Your role is to observe for the absence of vital signs and let medical experts take over to ensure proper procedure.

What are the key signs of death I can look for as a layperson?

As a layperson, you can look for unresponsiveness, the absence of breathing (no rise and fall of the chest), and no detectable pulse in the neck. Fixed and dilated pupils are also a sign.

Do I need to call the police if the person died at home peacefully?

If the death was expected and the person was under hospice care, you should call the hospice provider first. If the death was sudden or unexpected, calling 911 will bring the appropriate authorities, including a potential coroner or medical examiner.

How do I respectfully handle the deceased person until professionals arrive?

You can respectfully cover the person with a sheet or blanket. Avoid unnecessary contact, especially with bodily fluids. Your respectful presence is the most important gesture you can provide.

What is the difference between a death pronouncement and an autopsy?

A death pronouncement is the official declaration of death by a medical professional based on their findings. An autopsy is a more detailed medical examination, usually performed by a pathologist to determine the cause and manner of death.

Will a coroner's or medical examiner's examination interfere with funeral plans?

In most cases, a medical examiner's or coroner's examination, if required, is performed quickly and should not significantly interfere with funeral arrangements. The body is released to the funeral home after the examination is complete.