Knowledge Centre · 01
What to do when someone dies
In the first hours after a death, very little has to happen quickly — and you do not have to manage it alone. This guide explains the first practical steps, gently, and you can call us at any hour for help.
Quick answer
When someone dies in Northern Ireland, contact a doctor (or call 999 for a sudden or unexpected death), then contact a funeral director. A doctor issues the medical certificate, the death is registered within five days, and the funeral is arranged. David Crymble & Sons can guide you 24 hours a day on (028) 9066 7784.
What happens, step by step
Make the person comfortable and contact the right people
If the death was expected, contact the GP or out-of-hours service. If it was sudden or unexpected, call 999. There is no rush to do anything else straight away.
Call us — day or night
When you are ready, call David Crymble & Sons on (028) 9066 7784. We will explain what happens next and, if you wish, bring your loved one into our care.
Obtain the medical certificate
A doctor will provide the medical certificate of cause of death, which allows the death to be registered.
Register the death
The death is registered with a district registrar, usually within five days. See our 'Registering a death' guide.
Begin telling others
In time, you will need to tell certain organisations. Our 'Who to tell' checklist and the official guidance make this simpler.
Resources & official links
nidirect
When someone dies at home
What to do, and who to call, when a death happens at home.
nidirect
When someone dies in hospital or a care home
The practical steps when a death occurs in hospital or a care home.
nidirect
Coroners, post-mortems and inquests
What happens, and why, if a death is referred to the coroner.
nidirect
Who to tell about a death
Government departments, banks and others that need to be informed.
MoneyHelper
What to do when someone dies
A clear, step-by-step overview of the practical tasks after a death.
HSC Bereavement Network
HSC Regional Bereavement Booklet
Northern Ireland's regional booklet for bereaved families — practical and emotional support.
HSC Bereavement Network
When Someone Dies (booklet PDF)
The full regional 'When Someone Dies' booklet to read or print.
Marie Curie
Checklist: when someone dies
A clear checklist of the things to do after a death.
Need help now?
If someone has died or you are unsure what to do next, David Crymble & Sons Funeral Directors are available 24 hours a day. We can guide you step by step — whether the death has happened at home, in hospital, in a care home, or elsewhere.
Frequently asked questions
Who do I call first if someone dies at home?
If the death was expected, contact the person's GP or the out-of-hours service. If it is sudden or unexpected, call 999. You can call us at any time on (028) 9066 7784 and we will guide you through what to do.
Is there a rush to do anything?
No. Take your time. Beyond contacting a doctor (or emergency services for a sudden death), nothing has to be decided immediately.
What happens if the death is referred to the coroner?
Sometimes a death must be reported to the coroner. This is routine in certain circumstances and the coroner's office will guide you. We work with them regularly and will keep you informed.
Can you collect our loved one at any hour?
Yes. A member of the family answers the phone 24 hours a day, and we can bring your loved one into our care whenever you are ready.
Can I arrange the funeral before registration is complete?
You can begin talking to us straight away. The funeral itself can usually only be confirmed once the death has been registered and we have the necessary forms, but we will start helping you immediately.
Related guides
Last reviewed: June 2026 · Reviewed by: David Crymble & Sons
Sources: official guidance from NI Direct, HSC NI, MoneyHelper, Marie Curie, Cruse and the relevant councils, where applicable.
This page is for general guidance only. Requirements can change, so please check with the relevant official organisation or contact David Crymble & Sons for help.