First steps · 5 min read · 2 June 2026
What to do in the first 48 hours after someone dies
Written by Simon D Campbell, Director, Shropshire Expert Cleaners LTD · 17 years in bereavement, trauma and hospital-standard cleaning
The short answer
Almost nothing has to happen on the first day. The death must be verified by a doctor or paramedic, the property needs to be secure, and any pets need care. You do not need to choose a funeral director straight away.
Almost nothing has to happen on the first day. The death has to be verified by a doctor or paramedic, the property needs to be secure, and any pets need someone to look after them. That is the whole list.
If the death was expected and happened at home, call the GP surgery in working hours or 111 out of hours. If it was sudden or unexplained, call 999. The Police attend sudden deaths as a matter of course; they are confirming there is nothing suspicious, not investigating the family.
You do not need to choose a funeral director in the first hours, and you should not feel pushed into it. Nothing about the funeral is decided until the death can be registered, and if the coroner is involved that can take days or weeks.
Write down every name and number you are given while it is still fresh — the officer who attended, the bereavement office, the coroner's officer. You will be asked for them repeatedly over the following weeks.