First steps if someone dies

If the death occurs at home, the first thing you will need to do is contact the GP so they can certify the death.

To know if a person has died, you need to check for a pulse or check if they are breathing (check the rising of their chest).

Yes, if the death occurs at home you will need to contact the GP so they can certify the death. If the death occurs in a care home, usually the care home will contact the GP. Some care homes can certify a death.

If someone has died, it is best to call us so that we can respond immediately. You can contact us by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 0118 957 3650.

Our offices are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, excluding public holidays. Outside of those times, we are contactable by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us on 0118 957 3650.

We have 9 offices across Berkshire and South Oxfordshire – Bracknell, Caversham, Henley-on-Thames, Maidenhead, our head office in central Reading, Thatcham, Tilehurst, Wokingham and Woodley.

Yes, all deaths in the UK need to registered.

A relative, partner or personal representative of the person who has died will usually register the death.

The death can also be registered by:

• Someone who was present when the death occurred
• An occupant of the house/official from the hospital where the death occurred
• The person making the funeral arrangements.

It is free to register a death. There is a charge to receive a copy of the death certificate. The current cost is £12.50 per copy.