Perman Funeral Home
INDUSTRY INSIGHT
FUNERAL SERVICES
What Happens When …
SPONSORED CONTENT
People have asked me what happens immediately after a death occurs . Many believe every person that dies goes to the Allegheny County Medical Examiner ’ s Office ( ACME ). The circumstances will determine if the case will be referred to ACME . Those cases may include any suspicious or accidental deaths , the death of a child , unattended deaths , recent medical and surgical procedures that failed or people who died without an attending physician . Actually , very few cases are referred to the Medical Examiner .
Most deaths occur in a hospital , hospice or residence . They are usually attended by a physician . The physician knows the medical history of the person , and will sign an original death certificate certifying a cause of death .
When a death occurs at home , the first call should be to 911 . EMS personnel can pronounce a death with a date and time . However , if the home patient is under hospice care , call the hospice first .
Do not assume that the funeral home will be notified by a medical facility , Medical Examiner or Coroner that a death has occurred . Many facilities have policies forbidding their personnel from calling a funeral home due to the appearance of impropriety and conflicts of interest . A family member or designated representative should always make the initial call . Some families have asked why we did not contact them about setting up an arrangement conference in a timely
Please bring your old worn , torn or faded flag to Perman Funeral Home
The flags collected will be retired in a dignified manner by local members of the Boy Scouts of America and the Veterans of Foreign Wars .
US Flag Code : The flag when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display , should be destroyed in a dignified way , preferably by burning .
manner . When we explain that we were not informed of the death , they understand .
I remember one time when the door bell rang at the funeral home . I invited the gentleman in . He stated that he wanted to make funeral arrangements for his wife . After I introduced myself and expressed my condolence , he asked me if his wife was at the funeral home yet and why did I not call him to set up an arrangement conference . I told him that I had not been informed of her death , and explained that many area hospitals will not directly call a funeral home even when informed by the family of their choice of funeral home . I ascertained his wife ’ s name and where she was . One phone call let me know that we could then transport her back to the funeral home . After reassuring the gentleman that we would immediately bring his wife back to our funeral home , he asked me … NOW , WHAT DO I DO ?
I am asked all the time about what is needed to successfully make funeral arrangements . Something to keep in mind when we are in the arrangement conference , the information gathered is from the point of view of the deceased . Here is a list of what will be needed : Clothing for the Deceased — A full set of clothes including undergarments , socks or stockings , shoes or slippers . We even request clothing for a simple cremation out of respect for the deceased person .
Photos — Up to 75 photos showing the deceased at various times during his / her life . Photos are used for a DVD video tribute , online obituary and newspaper death notice .
Statistical Information — Name , Date of Birth , Address , Social Security number , veteran separation papers ( DD214 ), parents ’ names ( including mother ’ s maiden name ), etc . This information is used for filing the death certificate , Social Security Statement of Death , veteran benefits and other necessary permits and authorizations .
Obituary Information — This would include family member names with spouses along with hometown , memorial contribution information and any services information .
Other Personalization and Memorialization Options — These can include visitation hours , church or service request , burial , mausoleum or cremation options , music , dove and balloon release , veteran ’ s honors , flowers , food , grave marker or headstone .
There are many more considerations . These things can be discussed when meeting with us . Also , funeral choices and options can be done before a death occurs . We will meet with families who know a death is imminent . This meeting starts the process , so when the time comes , the only concern is making the first call .
Perman Funeral Home … your first call .
Perman Funeral Home
923 Saxonburg Boulevard • Pittsburgh PA 15223 412-486-3600 • www . permanfuneralhome . com
This Industry Insight was written by Frank Perman , FD , Supervisor , CFSP , CPC , CCO , CFC . He is the owner of Perman Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc ., 923 Saxonburg Boulevard at Rt . 8 in Shaler Township . Mr . Perman believes an educated consumer makes the most personal , affordable and memorable decisions . Inquiries may be made to Mr . Perman at 412.486.3600 or emailed to frank @ permanfuneralhome . com .
20 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Hampton