Dealing with the death of a loved one is an emotional, life-changing event. When it happens at home, the situation can quickly feel overwhelming. There are specific steps you need to follow to ensure your safety and manage the aftermath responsibly. Our guide will cover all of the things to do when you find a loved one dead at home.
Confirm the Death
Your initial response should be to check for any signs of life. Call out to them, check for breathing, and look for a pulse. If there’s even the slightest indication of life, call emergency services immediately for medical assistance. If there are no signs of life, proceed to contact the appropriate authorities.
Contact Emergency Services
Once you’ve confirmed your loved one has passed, call 911. Explain the situation calmly and provide your location. Emergency responders, including police and paramedics, will evaluate the scene to determine the cause of death and coordinate further steps. When an unattended death happens, additional protocols may apply, especially when involving forensic teams.
Notify Close Family Members
Informing family members is one of the next crucial things to do after finding a loved one dead. Make these calls as soon as you can, both to notify them and to gain emotional support. Start with immediate family before reaching out to extended relatives. This process ensures that everyone who needs to know is aware and can support you during this time.
Avoid Touching Anything in the Area
While it’s natural to want to be near your loved one, resist touching anything around them. This is particularly important if the authorities need to investigate the death or examine the circumstances that led to it. Preserving the scene will help everything progress smoothly with law enforcement or medical examiners.
Notify the Right Authorities for Next Steps
When emergency services complete their assessment, the next step involves notifying a funeral director or coroner. If you expected the death, such as due to illness, the process may be straightforward. For unexpected deaths, however, the coroner and even local public health officials might need involvement.
Arrange for Cleaning and Restoration Services
An unattended death can leave behind biohazards that require professional cleanup. Attempting to handle this yourself is both dangerous and emotionally distressing.
Certified technicians, like those at Affinity Bio Solutions, specialize in unattended death cleanup. They provide discreet and comprehensive cleaning services and ensure the area is safe for you and your family to return to.
Seek Emotional Support
Facing such a significant loss can be isolating, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Lean on family and friends for immediate support, but also consider professional counseling if needed. Grief is a natural response, and having access to resources can help you process your emotions while navigating the weeks and months to come.
Handling the delicate moments after finding a loved one dead at home requires a clear and thoughtful approach. Prioritize contacting authorities, involving close family, and ensuring your safety throughout the process.
For professional help, Affinity Bio Solutions offers expert assistance for biohazard cleaning. Our certified technicians can perform this work effectively and support you during this difficult time.
