First Steps

What to do when someone dies

Few people are ever fully prepared for the emotional strain that comes with the death of a loved one. At this time, it can help to have experienced guidance from professionals who understand what is involved and can take care of the practical arrangements with care and discretion.

Byrne’s Funeral Directors, Crablane provide support to families at every stage of the funeral arrangements. We will guide you through the process, organise the details of the funeral, and liaise on your behalf with all those involved.

Many families are arranging a funeral for the first time and may be unsure where to begin. The steps to take will depend on where the death has occurred and the circumstances surrounding it.

When a death occurs at home:

If the death was expected, the person will usually have been under the care of their GP. The first step is to contact the GP, who will visit the home to confirm the death.

If this happens outside normal hours, a locum doctor may attend. The GP should then be informed the following morning.

If the death was unexpected, you should contact the GP. In some cases, the GP may advise that An Garda Síochána be notified, and the death may be referred to the coroner.

At this time, you may also wish to contact a priest or minister for support.

Once the death has been confirmed, the funeral director can be contacted to begin making the funeral arrangements.

When a death occurs in a hospital, hospice or nursing home:

In these settings, a doctor will be present or will be called by staff to confirm the death.

The family will be advised if a post-mortem is required, although in most cases this is not necessary.

Following this, the funeral director can be contacted to begin the funeral arrangements.

When a death occurs suddenly:

A sudden death, regardless of where it occurs, must be reported to An Garda Síochána, who will notify the coroner.

The coroner will review the circumstances of the death and may direct that a post-mortem take place to establish the cause of death.

If a post-mortem is required, there may be a delay before the funeral arrangements can proceed. This is typically one to two days, but may be longer at weekends or during holiday periods.

Once the death has been reported, you can contact us to begin making arrangements.