First Hour After Death — What to Do

Last updated July 4, 2026 · 1 min read
Quick answer
In the first hour after a Canadian death — confirm pronouncement (medical professional if at home unexpectedly call 911; in hospital staff handles it), notify the most immediate family in person or by phone, ensure care for any dependents (children, pets, elderly), and take time at the bedside if desired. Do NOT try to do everything immediately. Funeral home arrangements, government notifications, financial matters all can wait hours or days.

The first hour after a death is for being present, confirming pronouncement, and notifying the most immediate family. Almost everything else can wait. Trying to do too much in the first hour leads to mistakes and missed opportunities to be with the deceased and family.

What needs to happen

  1. Confirm pronouncement. Medical professional or first responder formally declares death.
  2. Notify immediate family. Spouse, adult children, parents. By phone or in person.
  3. Care for dependents. Children, pets, elderly relatives the deceased was caring for.
  4. Take time at the bedside if desired. Hospital, hospice, or home settings all typically allow this.

What can wait

  • Funeral home contact (within a few hours)
  • Extended family and friends notification (24-48 hours)
  • Social media announcement (wait until family knows)
  • Government notifications (days/weeks)
  • Financial matters (days/weeks)
  • Estate work (weeks/months)

What we focus on at It's Simple Will

The Life Discovery Kit has the funeral home and key contact information so when the family is ready to make calls, the information is in front of them.

Citations & sources

  1. [1]Canada.ca — What to do following a death — Government of Canada

Frequently asked questions

Who pronounces death?

Hospital/hospice — medical staff. Home expected (hospice) — hospice nurse or family doctor. Home unexpected — call 911; paramedics or coroner.

Who should I call first?

The most immediate family (spouse, adult children, parents). Other family and friends can be informed over the following hours/days.

Should I call the funeral home immediately?

Not in the first hour unless it's already pre-arranged. The funeral home can be contacted within a few hours; doesn't need to be instant.

What about social media announcements?

Wait. Confirm immediate family knows first. Social media can wait 24-48 hours so close family doesn't learn through Facebook.

What about pets?

Genuinely urgent. Identify who will take immediate care of any pets within the first hour.

Can I be with the body?

Yes, in any setting. Hospital and hospice typically allow extended bedside time. At home, you can be present until the funeral home transports.

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