What Should You Do First When Someone Passes Away?

If the person is unconscious, unresponsive, or you are not sure whether they have passed away, call 995 immediately. Emergency help should not be delayed if there is any possibility of resuscitation.

If the death appears expected due to age or illness, the next steps depend on whether the death took place in a hospital, hospice, nursing home, or at home.

What To Do Based on Where the Death Occurred

If Death Occurs at Home in Singapore

If a loved one passes away at home and the death was expected, a doctor may ask a few questions before deciding whether to attend and assess the situation.

Common questions may include:

• How old was the deceased?
• Did the deceased have any known medical conditions?
• Was the person under medical care?
• Was the death expected?
• Are there any signs of injury, trauma, or unusual circumstances?

These questions help determine whether the death can be certified or whether the case should be referred for further investigation.

When a Death Certificate May Not Be Issued Immediately

A doctor may not be able to certify the death immediately if the cause of death is unclear or if the circumstances are unusual.

• The death was sudden or unexpected
• The cause of death is unclear
• The deceased was not under recent medical care
• There are signs of trauma or injury
• There is reason to suspect an unnatural cause of death
• The person was found deceased alone and the medical history is limited

When a Death May Become a Coroner’s Case

Some deaths in Singapore may be treated as coroner’s cases, especially if the death is sudden, unexplained, or appears unnatural.

• Accidents
• Suicide
• Falls
• Drowning
• Suspected industrial incidents
• Deaths involving trauma
• Sudden unexplained deaths
• Cases where a person is found dead alone and the cause is uncertain

Elderly Persons Found Alone at Home

Singapore’s ageing population has increased public concern about seniors living and ageing alone. As reported by The Straits Times, community groups are working to reduce the risk of lonely deaths among elderly residents.

If a person is found deceased alone at home and the cause of death is not immediately known, the case is more likely to require official investigation before funeral arrangements can proceed.

What Happens After Death Is Certified?

Once the death has been medically certified, or the relevant authorities have completed their required procedures, families can proceed with funeral arrangements.

• Body transfer
• Collection or handling of relevant documents
• Wake setup
• Religious or non-religious arrangements
• Cremation or burial coordination
• Ash collection and ash placement arrangements
• Memorial planning

Doctor Attendance Fees and Funeral Cost Factors

If a doctor is required to attend at the place of death, the fee may vary depending on the time and circumstances. Families may often expect a fee in the range of S\$350 to S\$450, payable directly to the doctor.

Practical First Steps for Families

1. Check whether the person may still be alive.
2. If unsure, call 995 immediately.
3. If the death appears expected, contact a trusted funeral director.
4. Prepare the deceased’s age and medical history if available.
5. Follow instructions regarding doctor attendance, certification, or referral procedures.
6. Proceed with funeral arrangements only after certification or official clearance is obtained.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do first if someone dies at home in Singapore?

If there is any chance the person is still alive, call 995 immediately. If the death was expected and there is no sign of life, contact a funeral director or appropriate medical professional for guidance.

Can a doctor certify death at home in Singapore?

In some cases, yes. This depends on the circumstances of the death, the medical history of the deceased, and whether the cause of death appears clear and expected.

When is a death referred to the coroner in Singapore?

A death may be referred for investigation if it is sudden, unexplained, unnatural, or occurs in suspicious circumstances.

Do I need to go to a police station to get a death certificate in Singapore?

In applicable cases, death certificates in Singapore can now be obtained online, so families generally do not need to physically visit a police station. It is best to check the latest official guidance.

How much does a funeral cost in Singapore?

Funeral costs vary depending on the venue, religion, number of wake days, coffin type, transport, cremation or burial arrangements, and ash placement choices.

What happens if someone is found dead alone at home?

If the cause of death is not immediately known, the authorities may need to investigate before funeral arrangements can proceed.

Sources

• Ministry of Health Singapore
• The Straits Times – Seniors checking in on neighbours: preventing lonely deaths among Singapore’s elderly