1. Notification of Death Flashcards
What is a first call?
Transportation of the dead human body from place of death to the funeral home or other designated place
As many as _____ of deaths are communicated by telephone
98%
Why do we let inexperienced personnel answer the phone?
It’s a statement of trust and confidence
How do we answer the phone?
With the name of the funeral home and your name
What is important to know when closing a call?
- Review all info received
- Estimated time of arrival
- Invite call backs for questions or needs
- Avoid Thank You
- Get clarified where call is coming from
- Name of doctor signing death certificate
What information is needed during a First Call (about the deceased)
- Name
- Place of Death
- Attending physician
- DOB
- Marital Status / NOK
- Home address and number
- if in hospital: Room/Bed number
- if in morgue: Room #
What information is needed during a First Call (about the NOK)
- Name and relationship
- Address and phone number
- Their preferences (religious affiliation, type of service, cemetery, method of disposition)
- Ask if they have a preferred church or cemetery in mind
- Ask permission to embalm (preferably in writing but verbal is good)
What information is needed when death occurs in a health care facility?
- Time of Death
- Admitting v Pronouncing Physician
- Location of remains (ER? Room?)
- Removal Cleared (case #)
- Access of Facility
Things to remember when death occurs in a health care facility
Always keep a copy of first call sheet at the funeral home
ER docs can’t be admitting docs
ER docs do not sign death certificates
Anyone who dies within 24 hours of admittance can be considered an ME case
Are all calls requests for services?
No
What is a shopper?
People who get information from different funeral services to see where it’s better for them to use
