Packet- Transfer of Remains from Residence or Institution

Question 1

The transfer of the deceased from place of death to the funeral home.

Answer 1

Transfer/Removal

Question 2

• Age of deceased- if infant0 a special carrying case is necessary- you do not necessarily need a first call vehicle.
• Bassinet (adjustible box, handle on top)
• Clean plastic
• Clean towels
• Rubber Gloves

Answer 2

Vehicle- First Call Car- Station Wagon- Hearse- Van

Question 3

• Hospital
• Private residence
• Other institution
• Other scene of death
• Other funeral home

Answer 3

Location of Remains can be:

Question 4

• Upright cot
• Clean head block or pillow
• At least 2 clean white sheets
• Flexible (reeves) stretcher
• Towels
• Pouch
• Clean cot cover
• Sanitary Equipment- gloves, cotton towel, deodorant, disinfectant spray, gowns, mask
• Casket wrappers
• Lifting bars

Answer 4

Equipment Necessary for Adult Removal

Question 5

• Bassinet or carrying case
• Baby blanket
• Small rubber, plastic sheet or pouch
• Sanitary equipment
• Rubber gloves

Answer 5

Infant or Still Born

Question 6

• Two employees (ideally, usually one if institution)
• Clean, neat appearance
• Conservative dress
• Conformity with local customs and traditions

Answer 6

Policy Concerning Attire of Employees on Removal

Question 7

Removal of a deceased human being fro a private residence.

Answer 7

Home Removal

Question 8

• At least two people always
• If three people- a member of the firm should go to the residence in a separate vehicle, preferably the one that will make arrangements.
• Two employees follow, neatly dressed with proper equipment, prepared for anything.

Answer 8

Home Removal Requiements

Question 9

• Try to get a parking place in front of the reisdence for first call vehicle
• Removal team waits outside with cot ready. They will not enter residence until told by funeral director in charge.
• Funeral director in charge will enter the residence.

Answer 9

Arrival at Residence

Question 10

1. Introduce self to family
2. Try to calm family and if possible place them in a room away from the deceased. One family member or designee should stay at all times.
3. Check death certificate- if no certificate, get doctor’s name and phone number.
4. Determine who the informant is
5. Remove wallet, jewelry and valuables in presence of the informant. If possible, have witnessed. Ask for dentures.
6. Remove all obstacles from path, pets included. Pick the best enterance/exit route for removal team.
7. Signal removal team to enter residence.

Answer 10

Funeral Director in Charge will Enter the Residence and Accomplish the Following:

Question 11

One holding the primary right of disposition (sign permission to embalm and restorative art, also cremation ID and authorization if applicable)- next of kin, the “boss.”

Answer 11

Informant

Question 12

1. The family has a right to stay and witness the removal
2. Treat the remains as if it were fragile glass
3. Cover the remains with a clean white sheet
4. Carefully lift remains onto reeves, strap securely.
5. Carry the remains feet first, always keeping the head high (block or pillow).
6. Always strip the bed and place all soiled linen in pillowcase.
7. Replace all furniture moved during the removal
8. Two removal team members guide upright cot to first call vehicle
9. First call vehicle and removal team proceeds directly to mortuary.

Answer 12

Procedures for Removal Team Transferring the Deceased from a Private Residence

Question 13

You should try to encourage them to go to another room (depending on the family.)

Answer 13

The Family has a Right to Stay and Witness the Removal

Question 14

1. Set up time for arrangement conference, if not already done- at family’s convenience
2. Ask if they need transportation to funeral home
3. Ask the family to bring things to the arrangement conference- printed checklist to leave with the family.
4. Sometimes these duties are performed over the telephone.

Answer 14

After Departure of the Removal Vehicle, the Person in Charge Returns to the Residence to:

Question 15

• Cemetery deed
• Deceased’s social security card (or number)
• Life insurance plans
• Veteran’s discharge papers (DD214)
• Eye glasses
• Recent photo
• Clergy person’s name and phone number, if they have one.
• Clothing

Answer 15

Things for the Family to Bring to the Arrangement Conference:

Question 16

• Watch sleeve length
• Neck lines
• Non transparent fabric
• Size and color

Answer 16

Clothing

Question 17

Examples of this would be from a hospital, nursing home, or the medical examiner’s office.

Answer 17

Institutional Removal

Question 18

1. Ask for designated office, pathology, nursing services, medical records, regitrar, information, securty, etc.
2. Find out status of death certificate
3. Try to get estimated time the body will be released.

Answer 18

After Taking the First Call, the Person in Charge Should call the Institution and Determine:

Question 19

• Equipment
• The rear area of the hospitals are not race tracks
• Check all hallways and doorways for best entrance and exit routes
• Sign security register book, check death certificate for accuracy.
• Always carry the remains head high, feet first- be cautious when loading/unloading. Do not slam doors.
• Proceed straight to the funeral home.

Answer 19

Duties of Removal Team when Transferring from an Insitution:

Question 20

Contains the name of the deceased, time and date of death, funeral home name, your name, attendant’s name, and the time the deceased was released.

Answer 20

Security Register Book

Question 21

Remains placed on embalming table. Remove wrappings, ties, washed and positioned for embalming. If not embalmed immediately, remains should be covered with a clean white sheet. Do not remove toe tag. Check and Re-check. Make sure the toe tag matches the wrist band.

Answer 21

Proceed Straight to the Funeral Home