Removals and First Call Funeral Operative Unit OP

Removals and First Call Funeral Operative Unit OP 1

This unit covers: Ø Ø Ø Make initial checks prior to departure Carry out the removal of a body to the Chapel of Rest or Mortuary Carry out removals from a range of establishments and in a range of situations Carry out post removal checks and procedures Maintain an appropriate environment for the care and custody of the deceased

Learning Outcomes: Ø Ø Make initial checks prior to departure Carry out the removal of a body to the Chapel of Rest or Mortuary

First Call…What is it? � The initial enquiry leading to the arrangement of a funeral � First impressions set the tone for our future dealings with our clients � Clients should feel that the person taking the call is pleasant, sympathetic, helpful and patient

First Call…Who from? �A relative of the deceased � A Friend of the family � A Doctor � A Clergyman � A District or home nurse � The Police � Nursing Home staff

First Call…May be �A request to effect an immediate removal � To arrange a removal at a set time � To enquire about costs and services � To make an appointment to arrange a funeral � To ask for advice – ‘What do I do now’

First Call…Information � Callers name, address, telephone number and relationship (if any) to the deceased � Deceased’s � Date, � Is name and address time and place of death the deceased to be Buried or Cremated?

First Call…Doctor � Has a Doctor attended? � Doctor’s name & Practice � Have they given permission for the deceased to be moved � Have they been notified of any proposed Cremation? � In the case of an expected death the Doctor may decline to attend � If so will they be able to sign the medical certificate giving cause of death?

First Call…Removal � Does the family/caller want the deceased moved now or later? � Some families may wish the deceased to remain at home until close relatives have arrived to pay their respects � Some, for religious or other reasons, may not wish the deceased to be moved at all

Removals � Removals – This is the general term that we use to describe moving a deceased person from one place to another � Most usually, it will be from the place of death to either, our premises, or to a hospital or public mortuary

Removals…The Vehicle � Most firms now use a dedicated ‘removal vehicle’ which may be a closed van, people carrier or estate car with suitably darkened windows � The advantage is that such a vehicle can be kept in a state of readiness �A few firms still use a hearse for removals

Removals…Equipment All firms will have their own list of equipment which they will keep in the removal vehicle The basic requirements are: o Stretchers o Protective clothing o Clean sheeting

In all circumstances Removals should always be carried out: � � � Efficiently Quietly Professionally With Dignity With Compassion

Evidence required for portfolio Make initial checks prior to departure Ø Check Vehicle Ø Check all removal details and information Ø Check the equipment kept in the removal vehicle Suggested forms of evidence Written evidence Witness testimony Photos with explanations

Life Extinct � We are not expected to decide that death has occurred or pronounce that life is extinct � However we should be aware of the signs and tests of death

Signs of Death � Lack of animation � Rigor mortis � Lowering body temperature � Pallor of skin � Hypostasis � No Pulse or heartbeat � No respiration � Pupils are fixed and dilated

Tests of Death � Check (feel) for pulse � Check (look & listen) for heartbeat � Check (look) for corneal reflex with light � Check (look, feel & listen) for respiration

Evidence required for portfolio Carry out the removal of a body to the Chapel of Rest or Mortuary � Be aware of the signs of and tests for death � � Follow company procedure for noting identification and receipting of personal effects Carry out safety checks for weight, work space and exit route prior to removal and effective infection control Suggested forms of evidence Written (essay style) Company policy (annotated) Witness testimony

Learning Outcomes Ø Ø Ø Carry out removals from a range of establishments and in a range of situations Carry out post removal checks and procedures. Maintain an appropriate environment for the care and custody of the deceased

Removals – Private Houses and Nursing Homes � The death of someone we love is a most traumatic occurrence � Witnessing the deceased being taken from the family home for the last time can be most distressing � Some families may also be present when a removal is effected from a Nursing or Residential Home

Removals – Private Houses and Nursing Homes BEFORE you leave for the removal: � Is removal vehicle clean and in working order? � Is equipment clean and in working order? � Know where you are going: check address, location and accessibility: consult map if necessary

Removals – Private Houses and Nursing Homes BEFORE you leave for the removal: � Check details on First Call Order Sheet � Has a Doctor attended? If not, do you have the name of the person who has asked you to remove the deceased? � Check your appearance

Removals – Private Houses and Nursing Homes BEFORE you leave for the removal: � If a nursing home – is this a convenient time to effect the removal? � Is the deceased in a shared room? � Is there a preference of equipment? � Which entrance should you use?

Removals – Private Houses and Nursing Homes On Arrival: � Introduce yourself and provide any company literature as required � Confirm that doctor has either attended or agreed to the removal � Tell the family where you will be taking the deceased � Explain procedure for contacting your office

Removals – Private Houses and Nursing Homes Getting organised: � Ask where deceased is located � Ask if anybody wishes to see the deceased before removal � Check for obstacles around the deceased and remove if necessary � Check exit and vehicle for closest/safest route

Removals – Private Houses and Nursing Homes Identity and Personal effects: � Confirm identity and spelling � Attach identity label � Check for jewellery and establish what is to happen to it � Ask you if dentures or clean attire are to be taken with � Give/get receipt for jewellery

Removals – Private Houses and Nursing Homes Preparation: � Tactfully suggest that the family may wish to leave the room while the deceased is moved � Lay stretcher or shell in the best place to effect safe handling � Put on gloves/protective clothing

Removals – Private Houses and Nursing Homes Effecting the removal: � Carefully � Cover � Tidy move the deceased on to removal stretcher as per your companies normal practice room and bed � Remove soiled bed linen if necessary

Removals – Private Houses and Nursing Homes Effecting the removal: � Wash your hands/remove gloves � Advise family/staff that you are about to remove deceased � Move to the removal vehicle quietly � Place stretcher or shell in vehicle

Removals – Private Houses and Nursing Homes BEFORE you leave: � One person should stay with vehicle and deceased � Second person should tell family that you are leaving and check that there is nothing more they need to ask before you go � Leave in a discreet and dignified manner

Removals – Private Houses and Nursing Homes Frequently asked Questions: � How � What � Will soon can we have the funeral? do I do about a death certificate? I be able to come and see him/her

Removals – Private Houses and Nursing Homes Arrival back at Funeral Home: � Checking identity and recording details � Recording � Caring for the deceased � Passing � Clean jewellery and possessions on documents and information equipment and re-stock vehicle

Removals – Hospitals and Public Mortuaries � Although these removals will, almost certainly, be done without members of the family being present, the highest standards should still be maintained � Remember that the deceased is somebody’s relative – it could be yours

Removals – Hospitals and Public Mortuaries � These removals will almost always be prearranged, at a time to suit your company workload and the mortuary staff � Most hospitals & mortuaries will have set times when you can call to effect a removal � Check number of personnel required for removal

Removals – Hospitals and Public Mortuaries Permission to remove: � Many hospitals & mortuaries require funeral staff to produce some identification and proof that you have the permission of the relative to remove � Some hospital issue their own permission form to relatives to give to their Funeral Director

Removals – Hospitals and Public Mortuaries BEFORE you leave: � Collect any necessary documents you may have to take with you and ensure that you have payment for cremation certificates if required � Check that you have your own removal sheet with information about the deceased

Removals – Hospitals and Public Mortuaries On Arrival: � Pay for and collect any documents � Show appropriate paperwork and/or permission forms to the mortuary staff

Removals – Hospitals and Public Mortuaries Identification: � Check the deceased’s identity on body label (wrist band) against your work order – Do not use label on covering sheet

Removals – Hospitals and Public Mortuaries Personal effects: � Check deceased for jewellery � Record and sign for jewellery/personal possessions � If valuable are in a sealed envelope – open it and check the contents before you sign for them � NEVER sign for any item that you don’t take

Removals – Hospitals and Public Mortuaries Effecting the removal: � Sign � Use mortuary register protective clothing as necessary � Move deceased to vehicle � Wash hands/remove gloves

Removals – Hospitals and Public Mortuaries Arrival back at Funeral Home: � Checking identity and recording details � Recording � Caring for the deceased � Passing � Clean jewellery and possessions on documents and information equipment and re-stock vehicle

Measuring � Length of body ◦ from mid instep to top of head � Width of Body ◦ widest point – usually shoulders but may be elbows or hips � Hospital Measurements are always best DOUBLE CHECKED

Removals – H. M. Coroner � In many areas of the UK, Coroner’s removals are dealt with by a Funeral Company contracted to the Coroner’s Office for that purpose � You may work for one of those companies, or contracting may not be in operation in your area � You may have a minimum response time

Removals – H. M. Coroner When is a death reported to H. M. Coroner: � When the deceased has not been seen by a Doctor within 14 days � Any case where a Doctor is unable to sign a medical certificate � Any death in custody � Any death attributed to Industrial disease � And many other reasons……

Removals – H. M. Coroner What circumstances may be encountered: � Sudden deaths � Found dead � Suicide � Suspicious circumstances � Accidents � Industrial Diseases Some hospital deaths may be referred to the Coroner

Removals – H. M. Coroner Preserving evidence: � Coroner’s removals should always be treated as suspicious deaths unless otherwise determined � We should not, for that reason, remove any clothing or other items from the deceased which may be needed for evidence

Removals – H. M. Coroner On Arrival: � Identify the Officer in charge � Introduce yourself and confirm that a Doctor has attended and where the deceased is to be taken

Removals – H. M. Coroner Identification: � Do � If the Police know the name of the deceased? not, establish how the deceased is to be identified not done by the Police, attach identity label with the given information e. g. white male found at ………… on………

Removals – H. M. Coroner Personal effects: � Ensure Police have checked deceased for any jewellery and personal effects � If not, ask them to do so � Any possessions found should be the responsibility of the police (they may be evidence) � Many hospital mortuaries will not accept valuables

Removals – H. M. Coroner Effecting the Removal: � Use protective clothing as necessary. Because these removals are often classified as ‘obnoxious’ be prepared to need additional protection � Carefully � You move the deceased on to removal stretcher may also need to use a body bag

Removals – H. M. Coroner Before you leave: � Advise Senior Officer that you are ready to leave and check that you may do so � Ask if the Police wish to accompany you to the mortuary � If appropriate notify hospital of your imminent arrival

Removals – H. M. Coroner Arrival at Mortuary: � Use protective clothing as necessary � Identify deceased to Mortuary staff � Re-check deceased for jewellery & valuables � Complete mortuary register � Wash hands/remove gloves

Removals – H. M. Coroner Arrival back at funeral home: � Procedure should be as for removal from Private Houses / Nursing & Residential Homes � Pay particular attention to cleaning after any dirty removal � Record removal as per your company policy

Removals – H. M. Coroner Trauma and Infection: � Coroner’s cases are sometimes violent deaths, either inflicted or accidental. These cases can be difficult for us to deal with � Recognize that you may be disturbed by some of the scenes you witness � Know where to go for help and support

Removals – H. M. Coroner Trauma and Infection: � Recognize, also, that there may be a greater risk of infection when dealing with these cases � Not because they are more likely to be infected, rather because any infection may be unknown � Take no risks with your own health & safety

Evidence required for portfolio Carry out removals from a range of establishments and in a range of situations � Coroner’s Removal where locally undertaken by company � Removal from a hospital or public mortuary � Removal from a private/cottage hospital or nursing home � Removal from a private dwelling � Describe designated premises to where remains referred to the Coroner should be moved Suggested forms of evidence Written evidence Witness testimony Personal statement (signed by a manager) Log or reflective journal

Documents � The following slides show some of the documents that you may be required to produce or collect in the process of a removal � Always double check the details are correct at time of collection as mistakes may not be easily rectified at a later time

Documents Registrars Certificate for Burial or Cremation You may hear this referred to as ‘The Green Certificate’ or ‘Disposal Certificate’ Green in colour

Documents Cremation Certificates Officially – Cremation 4, 5 & 10 Three part document is often referred to as ‘Doctors Cremation Certificates’ Usually White in colour

Documents Coroners Form 102 Officially – Cremation 6 Issued by HM Coroner to allow cremation to take place Yellow in colour (or white if emailed through)

Evidence required for portfolio Carry out post removal checks and procedures � � � Carry our reporting procedures to ensure continuation of the correct identity of the deceased and safe custody of personal effects Deliver to the appropriate person any documents or information collected with the deceased Clean and re-stock removal vehicle in accordance with company policy or orders Suggested forms of evidence Written (report or essay style) Personal statement (signed by manager) Witness testimony Log or reflective journal

Evidence required for portfolio Maintain an appropriate environment for the care and custody of the deceased � Ensure hygienic conditions are maintained in preparation and storage areas � Move and handle remains in a safe and hygienic way Suggested forms of evidence Written (report or essay style) Personal statement (signed by manager) Witness testimony

Any questions?