The first step depends on the circumstance of death:
If someone passes away at home or at work, call 911 first. Any death that occurs without a doctor or medical personnel present must be reported to the police. The coroner’s office will then conduct an investigation.

If the deceased person was under medical care, notify their primary care physician as soon as possible. If you don’t know the physician’s name, check medical records, bills or prescription bottles.

When someone passes away in a hospital, nursing home or other care facility, the staff of the establishment typically contacts the mortuary. Some facilities require patients to designate a mortuary as a condition of entry or care.

If a person is failing rapidly and death is imminent, please inform the primary care physician that the designated mortuary will call him/her for certification purposes after death occurs. The acting mortuary will need to obtain the attending doctor’s signature quickly so a burial/transit permit can be secured in a timely manner.

Organ donors will need additional time factored into final planning.

What to do if shipment of the deceased is required:
Hillside has an outstanding professional reputation for shipping remains. As a member of Jewish Funeral Directors of America (JFDA), Hillside is an expert in expedient mortuary shipping throughout the U.S. and Canada. This widespread network enables us to assist families transport their loved ones to and from Hillside.

Information Needed when Death Occurs:

• Vital information related to the deceased such as social security number, date of birth, family member names, place of birth, etc.
• Health Care Directive if you are not the legal next of kin.
• Veteran’s discharge papers (form DD214) to secure a complimentary flag for the funeral.
• Number of death certificates needed.

Other issues to consider:

• Will there be an obituary and, if so, who will write it?
• What clothing will be provided for burial?
• Will cosmetics be used?
• Will hair be styled in a particular fashion?
• Who will be speaking at the funeral?
• Will pictures be displayed at the funeral?
• Will there be special music (CD or live)?
• Will video montages or short films be used (DVD)?
• Will a Taharah and/or Shomer be needed?
• Will flowers be ordered?
• Will a limousine be needed?
• Will there be a reception following the funeral?
• Will cemetery property need to be purchased?