I Found Someone Dead - What Do I Do?

Discovering someone who has passed away is a deeply distressing experience. It can leave you feeling overwhelmed, confused, and unsure of what steps to take next. In such moments, it is important to stay calm and follow clear, practical actions to ensure safety and respect.

This guide will walk you through what to do if you find someone dead, providing straightforward advice.

Immediate Steps to Take When You Find Someone Deceased

The first moments after discovering a deceased person are critical. Your safety and the preservation of the scene are paramount. Here’s what you should do:

• Check for signs of life: Approach carefully and look for breathing or a pulse. Do not move the person unless they are in immediate danger.

• Call emergency services immediately: Dial 000 in Australia to report the situation. Provide clear details about the location and condition of the person. *This is necessary even if the person seems to have been deceased for a period of time

• Stay at the scene: Remain nearby until help arrives. Avoid touching or disturbing anything around the person.

• Keep calm and composed: Take deep breaths and try to stay as calm as possible. This will help you communicate effectively with emergency responders.

  
  

Remember, your role is to ensure help is on the way and to preserve the scene for authorities.

What to Expect When Emergency Services Arrive

Once you have contacted emergency services, trained professionals will take over. Here’s what typically happens:

• Paramedics will assess the person: They will confirm the death and check for any signs of life.

• Police will secure the scene: Officers will cordon off the area to preserve evidence and begin their investigation.

• Coroner involvement: In cases of unexpected or unattended deaths, the coroner will be notified to determine the cause of death.

• Body will be taken: If no foul play is expected - the deceased's body will be removed from the scene.

• Family notification: Authorities will work to identify the deceased and notify next of kin.

  
  

It is important to cooperate fully with emergency personnel. They are there to manage the situation with professionalism and care.

Handling the Emotional Impact and Seeking Support

Finding someone dead can be traumatic and it is unfortunately most of us will face in our life time. It is natural to experience a range of emotions including shock, sadness, guilt, or confusion.

Here are some ways to cope:

• Allow yourself to feel: Don’t suppress your emotions. It’s okay to cry or express how you feel.

• Talk to someone you trust: Sharing your experience with a friend, family member, or counsellor can provide comfort.

• Consider professional support: Grief counsellors or trauma specialists can help you process the event.

• Take care of your physical health: Eat well and rest. It's important to take care of yourself.

  
  

If you are involved in cleaning or managing the aftermath, professional trauma cleaning services are available to clean and decontaminate the area.

Comforting hand holding a warm cup of tea

Understanding the Role of Trauma and Biohazard Cleaning Services

After the authorities have completed their work, the scene will need to be cleaned to ensure it is safe for others. This is not a task for untrained individuals due to potential health risk, improper decontaminaton and emotional strain. Here’s why professional cleaning is essential:

• Health and safety: Trauma scenes can contain bloodborne pathogens and other biohazards.

• Proper disposal: Specialized cleaning companies follow strict protocols for disposing of hazardous materials.

• Restoring the environment: Professionals use industrial-grade equipment and disinfectants to ensure the area is safe for all needing to access the space.

• Respect and sensitivity: Experienced cleaners understand the emotional weight of the situation and handle it with care.

  
  

If you are in Perth or Western Australia, WA Forensic Cleaning is a trusted expert in this field. They provide compassionate, thorough cleaning services to help you regain peace of mind.

Legal and Practical Considerations After a Death

There are several legal and practical matters to address following the discovery of a death:

• Death certificate: This official document is issued by the coroner or doctor and is necessary for legal processes.

• Funeral arrangements: Contact a funeral director to discuss options and plan services.

• Notifying relevant parties: Inform banks, insurance companies, and government agencies as needed.

• Handling the deceased’s belongings: Secure personal items and documents carefully.

• Estate and will: If applicable, consult a solicitor to manage the deceased’s estate.

  
  

Taking these steps methodically can help you navigate this difficult time with more direction clarity.

Finding Peace and Moving Forward

Dealing with the aftermath of finding someone dead is never easy. It requires patience, support, and practical action. Remember that you are not alone, and help is available at every stage. Whether it’s emergency responders, grief counsellors, or helplines like Griefline, Beyond Blue and Life Line there are people ready to assist you.

Taking care of yourself and seeking support will help you find peace and begin to move forward.